oh Vintage Paw, I logged on for an update on Charlie and I am so so sorry to hear this. You were so so loving of Charlie, he must have had a perfect cat life with you. Am also shedding a few tears for you and for Charlie, but please try not to be too hard on yourself. You made a decision based on his best interests and the information available, and that's ultimately the only thing you can do.
Your daily cat and kitten news
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KeeperofDragons
Crazy dragon lady
So sorry to hear the news about Charlie, I know you are grieving right now but take a little comfort that you gave him a wonderful life and during this last illness you did your best for him. In time you will remember the funny happy things he did and smile because not only did you give him a lot of love & happiness he gave it back to you & that's always worth cherishing.
izz
Increased Leisure Citizen
Gutted to hear this Vintage Paw, I wish animals lived as long as we do, then there would be much less saying goodbye. As much as it hurts, you have many years worth of love to remember him by but as with all grief, go with it. Don't try and fight it or it will fester.
CRI
Registered Chooser
Oh no Vintage Paw I haven't been in this section for an age and am so sorry to hear your news. Wishing you the warmest thoughts in memory of your Charlie from ours (and Griff, Mal, Breeze and the hoomins of the household, too.) RIP Charlie of Doom, you gorgeous man.
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wobbly
oh darling. so sorry. nothing i can ay to make you feel better now, but know that we know you mad the right call.
my news is that according to my kids, madamme was sunning herself on the deck and was swooped on by a herring gull. it's a small area, with a juliette balcony and a pergola and lots of space to tie stuff onto. i'm going to rig some pound shop clothes lines over the garden, which should deter adult gulls, dosen't work so well on juveniles, but they are stupid, not aggressive. so she cna handle them
my news is that according to my kids, madamme was sunning herself on the deck and was swooped on by a herring gull. it's a small area, with a juliette balcony and a pergola and lots of space to tie stuff onto. i'm going to rig some pound shop clothes lines over the garden, which should deter adult gulls, dosen't work so well on juveniles, but they are stupid, not aggressive. so she cna handle them
High Voltage
In the top 97% of Urban's most interesting posters
100:10:1
One hundred strokes and every
Ten strokes
One treat
Which was fine right up until Clive decided to add a further :1 to the ratio's given above and that one was to jump off my lap and be sick - he'd wolfed down his breakfast and the treats on top of all that was obviously a little bit too much - that and his inability to differentiate between MY FINGER and a treat - granted my fingers were smelling a bit of treats but even so - and it was a proper full on bite as well, with one of his vampire fang teeth
One hundred strokes and every
Ten strokes
One treat
Which was fine right up until Clive decided to add a further :1 to the ratio's given above and that one was to jump off my lap and be sick - he'd wolfed down his breakfast and the treats on top of all that was obviously a little bit too much - that and his inability to differentiate between MY FINGER and a treat - granted my fingers were smelling a bit of treats but even so - and it was a proper full on bite as well, with one of his vampire fang teeth
Epona
Sonic: 1 Nov 2006 - 8 Jan 2022
Er... hate to say this, but giving him 10 treats is like taking him to McDonalds and supersizing it, that's a huge amount - what treats are you giving him?
Have had my finger bitten by Jakey in search of a treat, not deliberately, cats are pretty much blind to stuff close up to them. Really hurt, he did actually try to eat my finger.
High Voltage
In the top 97% of Urban's most interesting posters
He's getting Dreamies and from the packet the recommended portions it's up to 20 treats per day - so that's his days treats done there and then - he's pretty good when it comes to eating but I've noticed that he can tend to bolt his food and then he's sometimes sick - so smaller portions and less treats for you young man
Epona
Sonic: 1 Nov 2006 - 8 Jan 2022
They are not good for him, it says that amount can be given on the packet so that you buy more, there is no way he should be eating that many every day. McDonalds says their food is fine too.
Try treating him with a nugget of high quality dry food (to be deducted from his breakfast) or a healthy treat (dried fish flakes type cat treat or something) every 10 strokes, and 1 Dreamie at the end, it will be better for his health in the long run.
Epona
Sonic: 1 Nov 2006 - 8 Jan 2022
Sorry, I know I came across sounding judgemental, but I have a bee in my bonnet about pet treats, a lot of the time they are nutritionally rubbish, and 10 of those things is a large volume. My cats get treats on their birthdays (they each get one because can't give to 1 without giving to the others, so they each get 3 crappy treats per year).
trabuquera
Modesty Bag
Also, imo Dreamies are more likely to result in puking. So best kept for real emergencies (like keeping the little monster indoors when you've got to go out, by laying a small trail of 3 or 4 as an emergency measure. for instance.)
purenarcotic
Conveniently Pocket Sized
Dreamies seemed to tip our cat over the edge into cereal intolerance. She must have been developing one anyway but she had some dreamies and that was it.
We use the meat stick things as treats. One every so often.
We use the meat stick things as treats. One every so often.
High Voltage
In the top 97% of Urban's most interesting posters
Casper and Clive are 2 very frightened young lads indeed - neither me or Mrs Voltz have ever touched Casper and we re-homed them mid-March - Clive is slightly more outgoing than his brother but he needs to be bribed to come up for strokes - and, to be honest, whilst the strokes are nice, I couldn't really care about that, it's trying to get him and then his brother better socialised to the extent that both can be got to the vets when the need arises - at the moment this is an issue, not that they need to get to the vet at the moment but sooner or later they will
So short term the treats are a means to an end - and they work with Clive - Casper not so much so, with him it's fresh minced beef and other cooked meats that I have "left over" for my daily sandwiches - he's nearly taking food from my hand, not quite, but we're nearly there - as for getting him up on the sofa, that's months away but I've made improvements with both of them - both are now going outside and not causing me too much stress and worry that we're never going to see the again and that they'll return to their semi-feral state - also, bare in mind that they were in the sanctuary for coming up to a year so this must have been truly traumatic for them and we're having to un-do a lot of that damage as well
So, I hear what you're all saying but short term, and as long as he's keeping his food down I'll reduce the amount of treats but they're going to remain THE tool that I've got to getting closer to Clive
So short term the treats are a means to an end - and they work with Clive - Casper not so much so, with him it's fresh minced beef and other cooked meats that I have "left over" for my daily sandwiches - he's nearly taking food from my hand, not quite, but we're nearly there - as for getting him up on the sofa, that's months away but I've made improvements with both of them - both are now going outside and not causing me too much stress and worry that we're never going to see the again and that they'll return to their semi-feral state - also, bare in mind that they were in the sanctuary for coming up to a year so this must have been truly traumatic for them and we're having to un-do a lot of that damage as well
So, I hear what you're all saying but short term, and as long as he's keeping his food down I'll reduce the amount of treats but they're going to remain THE tool that I've got to getting closer to Clive
trabuquera
Modesty Bag
not saying anything about the use of treats - treat away, I completely understand your reasons for using them, and admire your patience with rehabbing these 2 scaredy cats - just that dreamies might not be the best ones to use loads and loads of.
btw: have you tried giving either of them bits of egg (boiled or fried) as treats? loancat goes mad for it.
btw: have you tried giving either of them bits of egg (boiled or fried) as treats? loancat goes mad for it.
Vintage Paw
dead stare and computer glare
I'm sorry for not replying earlier. I've been reading all of your messages as they came in, but I didn't feel able to reply to anything until now.
Thank you so much for all your sweet, warm words and condolences. I felt very moved by them. I think it's important to know others understand, even though it's a tragedy we've ever had to understand that pain.
I knew it would hurt, I knew I'd be heartbroken and it would be difficult. I wasn't prepared for quite how painful it would be, though. I expect some of that is down to the circumstances in which it all happened. I'm sure you can imagine the range of emotions and the various things passing through my mind. I'm currently at the stage where I'm concerned I made the wrong call, that we should have given him a chance, while sedated, but of course I know there would have been a lot of stress and discomfort involved and I know that would have taken its toll on him. There is a chance he could have recovered for a while, and I'm trying to keep in mind the stress that would have been involved to get to that point, and remember that for a cat it's not just the physical pain but the mental pain as well - particularly for Charlie.
I called Ted on Friday to thank him for all he did for Charlie. We had a nice chat about him. He was clearly cut up about it. I told him that he should be proud of himself, that he's always been able to put me at ease and keep me calm, and that that's half the job (when it comes to me anyway). And I told him that should I find myself living with another furry monster I'd very much like for him to be my vet again.
I got a card today from the specialist and her team, offering their condolences, saying how so very sorry they were that Charlie's disease was so aggressive and that there were such serious complications. That he was obviously a great cat with a big personality. And that they hope my happy memories of him will be able to help in some small way. Of course, I burst into tears as I read it, and then the meter reader man immediately came round. Crazy crying lady still in her scruffy pyjamas.
Charlie's ashes came back to the specialist yesterday, and they've sent them on to me. I expect they'll arrive later today or tomorrow maybe. I'll find that very difficult, but it's important to me that he's here. I used to think I didn't want an object to fixate on, but I've already been doing that, using his favourite pink mouse toy as something of comfort blanket/worry beads/whatever. So I was planning on scattering his ashes in the cemetery across the road, but I realised a while ago (because this is something that's been on my mind for months now) that he was an indoor cat, he had no favourite tree to sleep under or piece of undergrowth to stalk mice in. This was where he felt happy and safe and comfortable, so this is where he should be. Plus, I don't think, when it comes down to it, I can part with him.
I've been trying to keep myself busy, give myself focus. Charlie was everything for so long. Especially the last couple of years, everything I did was framed around him. I got up because he needed tablets and feeding. I made my tea with an eye on the clock, timing it so I could make sure he was fed and settled ready for his evening tablets. I did a sweep of the house every night before going to bed to make sure there was nothing he could eat (it was as if he had a 'plastic that could kill me' radar) and nothing that would be damaged if he threw up overnight. Every time I got up to do something I'd take a little look around to see where he was, to make sure I didn't disturb him if he was sleeping, or so I could go over and disturb him and give him a tickle. I'm getting better now, but for a few days every time I'd go in the kitchen to make a drink or whatever I'd stand there and think what's the point in being in here? Going upstairs is difficult - he'd often be sat outside the bathroom waiting for me, or if not I could look through and he'd be lying on the end of the bed soaking up the sun. Leaving the bathroom is always a reminder he's not here.
I've been out for lots of walks, and I've made a start on getting the house cleaned and decluttered (as much as possible anyway). I'm a slovenly sort, and Charlie had got used to that over the years. But I can't be without a cat in my life, and absolutely want to invite another to live here. It wouldn't be right to do that with the house as it is though. As I say, Charlie had got used to it, he had his routines, his places he liked to sleep, the things he knew he could chance his luck with and climb on to explore. But a new cat would want to be in everything, and there are too many precarious piles and dark, dingy, dirty, dusty nooks and crannies at the moment. Wanting to not be alone for long is a powerful motivator. Plus, since Charlie was an indoor cat I have lots of experience modifying my lifestyle to accommodate that. I spent 15 years checking doors were shut, making sure he didn't bolt, giving him the room and freedom he needed and the attention to stop him going stir crazy. Cats who have indoor requirements I'd expect are often overlooked, so I'd like to use that experience to be able to give one of them their forever home. My house is quite small though, so I'm concerned I might not pass the home visit if there is one (which there probably would be). But that's another reason to throw myself into trying to make the house as cat friendly as possible in the meantime. Hopefully that experience with Charlie might work in my favour.
I could ramble all day, so I'll force myself to stop now. Mostly I just wanted to say thank you. I've felt quite overwhelmed by all the warmth, so much so anything I say in thanks doesn't feel like enough. I have no plans to stay away from this thread, and of course when another little monkey makes his or her way into my life I'll be introducing them to you with plenty of pictures.
<3
Thank you so much for all your sweet, warm words and condolences. I felt very moved by them. I think it's important to know others understand, even though it's a tragedy we've ever had to understand that pain.
I knew it would hurt, I knew I'd be heartbroken and it would be difficult. I wasn't prepared for quite how painful it would be, though. I expect some of that is down to the circumstances in which it all happened. I'm sure you can imagine the range of emotions and the various things passing through my mind. I'm currently at the stage where I'm concerned I made the wrong call, that we should have given him a chance, while sedated, but of course I know there would have been a lot of stress and discomfort involved and I know that would have taken its toll on him. There is a chance he could have recovered for a while, and I'm trying to keep in mind the stress that would have been involved to get to that point, and remember that for a cat it's not just the physical pain but the mental pain as well - particularly for Charlie.
I called Ted on Friday to thank him for all he did for Charlie. We had a nice chat about him. He was clearly cut up about it. I told him that he should be proud of himself, that he's always been able to put me at ease and keep me calm, and that that's half the job (when it comes to me anyway). And I told him that should I find myself living with another furry monster I'd very much like for him to be my vet again.
I got a card today from the specialist and her team, offering their condolences, saying how so very sorry they were that Charlie's disease was so aggressive and that there were such serious complications. That he was obviously a great cat with a big personality. And that they hope my happy memories of him will be able to help in some small way. Of course, I burst into tears as I read it, and then the meter reader man immediately came round. Crazy crying lady still in her scruffy pyjamas.
Charlie's ashes came back to the specialist yesterday, and they've sent them on to me. I expect they'll arrive later today or tomorrow maybe. I'll find that very difficult, but it's important to me that he's here. I used to think I didn't want an object to fixate on, but I've already been doing that, using his favourite pink mouse toy as something of comfort blanket/worry beads/whatever. So I was planning on scattering his ashes in the cemetery across the road, but I realised a while ago (because this is something that's been on my mind for months now) that he was an indoor cat, he had no favourite tree to sleep under or piece of undergrowth to stalk mice in. This was where he felt happy and safe and comfortable, so this is where he should be. Plus, I don't think, when it comes down to it, I can part with him.
I've been trying to keep myself busy, give myself focus. Charlie was everything for so long. Especially the last couple of years, everything I did was framed around him. I got up because he needed tablets and feeding. I made my tea with an eye on the clock, timing it so I could make sure he was fed and settled ready for his evening tablets. I did a sweep of the house every night before going to bed to make sure there was nothing he could eat (it was as if he had a 'plastic that could kill me' radar) and nothing that would be damaged if he threw up overnight. Every time I got up to do something I'd take a little look around to see where he was, to make sure I didn't disturb him if he was sleeping, or so I could go over and disturb him and give him a tickle. I'm getting better now, but for a few days every time I'd go in the kitchen to make a drink or whatever I'd stand there and think what's the point in being in here? Going upstairs is difficult - he'd often be sat outside the bathroom waiting for me, or if not I could look through and he'd be lying on the end of the bed soaking up the sun. Leaving the bathroom is always a reminder he's not here.
I've been out for lots of walks, and I've made a start on getting the house cleaned and decluttered (as much as possible anyway). I'm a slovenly sort, and Charlie had got used to that over the years. But I can't be without a cat in my life, and absolutely want to invite another to live here. It wouldn't be right to do that with the house as it is though. As I say, Charlie had got used to it, he had his routines, his places he liked to sleep, the things he knew he could chance his luck with and climb on to explore. But a new cat would want to be in everything, and there are too many precarious piles and dark, dingy, dirty, dusty nooks and crannies at the moment. Wanting to not be alone for long is a powerful motivator. Plus, since Charlie was an indoor cat I have lots of experience modifying my lifestyle to accommodate that. I spent 15 years checking doors were shut, making sure he didn't bolt, giving him the room and freedom he needed and the attention to stop him going stir crazy. Cats who have indoor requirements I'd expect are often overlooked, so I'd like to use that experience to be able to give one of them their forever home. My house is quite small though, so I'm concerned I might not pass the home visit if there is one (which there probably would be). But that's another reason to throw myself into trying to make the house as cat friendly as possible in the meantime. Hopefully that experience with Charlie might work in my favour.
I could ramble all day, so I'll force myself to stop now. Mostly I just wanted to say thank you. I've felt quite overwhelmed by all the warmth, so much so anything I say in thanks doesn't feel like enough. I have no plans to stay away from this thread, and of course when another little monkey makes his or her way into my life I'll be introducing them to you with plenty of pictures.
<3
Vintage Paw
dead stare and computer glare
Charlie came home today. Many tears.
They returned him in a standard square casket with his name on it. I'd like a nicer casket/urn for him. I know some of you have had special urns for your beloved cats in the past, I wondered if you had any recommendations? I'd like something that had the option for a small engraved plate for his name, but that doesn't necessarily have to be on display, it can be underneath like some of the sleeping cat urns have.
I've been looking at this one, and maybe the similar wooden one down the page here. Google keeps sending me back to the same few websites, so I thought I'd pick your brains in case you knew of any other companies with similar. I want to make sure my choice is the right one. A sleeping cat seems best - not just because of the whole 'sleeping now' thing, but because he was a lazy bugger
If they made an urn showing a cat knocking stuff off the side I'd get that one 
Thank you <3
They returned him in a standard square casket with his name on it. I'd like a nicer casket/urn for him. I know some of you have had special urns for your beloved cats in the past, I wondered if you had any recommendations? I'd like something that had the option for a small engraved plate for his name, but that doesn't necessarily have to be on display, it can be underneath like some of the sleeping cat urns have.
I've been looking at this one, and maybe the similar wooden one down the page here. Google keeps sending me back to the same few websites, so I thought I'd pick your brains in case you knew of any other companies with similar. I want to make sure my choice is the right one. A sleeping cat seems best - not just because of the whole 'sleeping now' thing, but because he was a lazy bugger
If they made an urn showing a cat knocking stuff off the side I'd get that one Thank you <3
oryx
Sitting on the bok of the day
I've been looking at this one, and maybe the similar wooden one down the page here. Google keeps sending me back to the same few websites, so I thought I'd pick your brains in case you knew of any other companies with similar. I want to make sure my choice is the right one. A sleeping cat seems best - not just because of the whole 'sleeping now' thing, but because he was a lazy bugger
I've got my cat's ashes in a sleeping cat urn, which sits in the fireplace in front of the wine rack.
I like the sleeping cat thing as it, well, it looks like a sleeping cat. Not that it means I see 'falling asleep' as a euphemism for death, but because it is better than an urn or box. It also means I can take him with me when we move. This is the one I got: http://www.cpccares.com/shop/caskets-and-urns/sleeping-cat-casket
My cat was also a lazy bugger (he looked a bit like Charlie but had more white bits). 'kinell, I had to wake him for his breakfast sometimes!
Hope you're bearing up. I've been there myself and know it's not easy.
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wobbly
never had any success with egg. more of an 'are you fucking serious' look while wandering disdainfully away. even when she was seriously underfed.
High Voltage
cheese can work well. or a little bit of butter. or small bits of chicken and chicken skin. or game bird skin. i tend to give that cooked, cause ti's more pleasant to handle. but madamme dosen't mind and will sit and give her best big eyed look at me whenever there is raw chicken being prepped. she probably gets a bit more human food than she strictly should. but her diet also includes a lot of small furry creatures that she eats almost whole. so im not really all that worried about the regular inclusion of half of bakunin's supper. but i'd be a lot more strict on what she gets to eat if she wasn't feeding herself so often. but i reckon the use of bits of our dinner has been a fairly strong part of the process of turning madamme from scardey cat into the ruler of all she surveys
Puddy_Tat
naturally fluffy
((( Vintage Paw ))) again
not sure really. think all i can suggest is go with what you think is right.
in other news -
cats, making their mark for over 2,000 years - news item
not sure really. think all i can suggest is go with what you think is right.
in other news -
cats, making their mark for over 2,000 years - news item
High Voltage
In the top 97% of Urban's most interesting posters
Having had a bit of a re-think and listening to the concerns about Dreamies I can now re-state the ratios as:-
150:15:1:0
150 = strokes in total
15 = number to strokes to trigger the release of
1 = treat - no longer Dreamies but one of his normal food biscuits - so that's good
0 = number of times sick
Hoorah! - I now have this in my minds eye and how Clive thinks he's going to be fed "going forward"
150:15:1:0
150 = strokes in total
15 = number to strokes to trigger the release of
1 = treat - no longer Dreamies but one of his normal food biscuits - so that's good
0 = number of times sick
Hoorah! - I now have this in my minds eye and how Clive thinks he's going to be fed "going forward"
I don't know who he thinks he is 
moose
like some cat from Japan
Unfortunately we can't have her
CPL have decided that she's just too aggressive with other cats, and she's getting worse, not better, so they're going to try to get her a home with no other cats. It's a shame, but obviously we don't want Stan being beaten up.
Vintage Paw
dead stare and computer glare
I've recommended it before, but in case you'd missed it -- Arden Grange Liver Treat for cats or dogs (same recipe) worked absolute wonders getting Felimazole into Charlie morning and night. He adored it, and would perk up as soon as he heard you go for the pill bottle. It's the perfect consistency to ball up around a tablet. I've got some left over, I can send you a tube if you'd like. Expires Sept.
StoneRoad
heckling from the back!
Hi Vintage Paw - I remember you mentioning that paste, Hilli's OK at the moment, having had a break from pills, but on the "be prepared" line, I think that "Yes, Please" is the answer ! I'll PM you in a minute.
Vintage Paw
dead stare and computer glare
Unfortunately we can't have her
What a shame
It's probably a complete coincidence, but all the cats I've known who've looked like that - long black fur that tinges ginger - have been right scratchy buggers, really quite anti-social. My nana had one when I was growing up, he'd sometimes come on your knee but you couldn't really touch him while he was there or you'd regret it. After he died, she took in a stray who looked identical, who had a very similar demeanor. Mind you, my nana never really learned how to handle a cat gently, which may have had something to do with it
moose
like some cat from Japan
Maybe it's not a coincidenceWhat a shame
It's probably a complete coincidence, but all the cats I've known who've looked like that - long black fur that tinges ginger - have been right scratchy buggers, really quite anti-social. My nana had one when I was growing up, he'd sometimes come on your knee but you couldn't really touch him while he was there or you'd regret it. After he died, she took in a stray who looked identical, who had a very similar demeanor. Mind you, my nana never really learned how to handle a cat gently, which may have had something to do with it
Apparently she's nice as pie when it's just her and the fosterer, sleeping on her bed, allowing grooming, etc, but as soon as another cat wanders in, she runs over and batters it.
Vintage Paw
dead stare and computer glare
Maybe it's not a coincidence
I want to say, "you go girl!" but I know that it's not exactly helping her be able to be rehomed... but still... you go girl!
adidaswoody
Like a star
I'm new to this thread! So I'll run down the basics!
I have two cats, dizzee and Oliver, dizzee is mine, Oliver is my partners who now lives with us! and a straddler that comes in, he's fat and ginger we call him Garfield, he never used to be able to fit through the cat flap but he can now so he's losing weight
Anyway, the other night we ordered some greasy chicken, my daughter who's only a nipper, crawls up to the TV and stands right in front of it, I'm scared she's gonna pull it onto herself so I put my greasy chicken down and go save her, now dizzee I taught well, He stays away from you while your eating and doesn't beg, Oliver is another story! He ran up to my plate and took some chicken wings, I chased after him as I was worried he would choke on the bone, and I found him, behind a car down the street, with 2 other cats from the street, they were all eating my god damn chicken, he was stealing food from me, to share with the other cats on the street! Like there saying, hey oli, go steal some of that yummy chicken again, we'll wait here. Bastard cat!
I have two cats, dizzee and Oliver, dizzee is mine, Oliver is my partners who now lives with us! and a straddler that comes in, he's fat and ginger we call him Garfield, he never used to be able to fit through the cat flap but he can now so he's losing weight
Anyway, the other night we ordered some greasy chicken, my daughter who's only a nipper, crawls up to the TV and stands right in front of it, I'm scared she's gonna pull it onto herself so I put my greasy chicken down and go save her, now dizzee I taught well, He stays away from you while your eating and doesn't beg, Oliver is another story! He ran up to my plate and took some chicken wings, I chased after him as I was worried he would choke on the bone, and I found him, behind a car down the street, with 2 other cats from the street, they were all eating my god damn chicken, he was stealing food from me, to share with the other cats on the street! Like there saying, hey oli, go steal some of that yummy chicken again, we'll wait here. Bastard cat!
