I was thinking that maybe cats are instinctively afraid of snakes. ??Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑22 Aug 2019, 4:35pmGotta be the hardwiring fight/flight impulse connected to movement. It's amazing how a cat's behaviour transforms when it catches sight of something foreign moving.Mimi wrote: ↑22 Aug 2019, 4:14pmThere was a baby snake out on the front porch. I called Butters over to watch it slither around. He watched it as it went out of sight and off the side of the porch. I reached over to touch him. He flew in the air. I tried to touch him again. Same thing. He searched the floor for the snake, sniffing, his hair fluffy. I had to laugh but was fascinated by his reaction. Did he know that thing was a snake or was he just freaked out by the movement? He's okay with the skinks but this was a little bigger. Maybe?
Pets.
Re: Pets.
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Re: Pets.
I tend not to think so. Cats are very size-responsive—they're wary of things bigger than them—but otherwise, as predators, it doesn't seem logical that they'd be scared of potential food. The slithering motion might be confusing, tho. Cat prey darts and flits, so slithering wouldn't be part of their playbook.Mimi wrote: ↑23 Aug 2019, 8:58amI was thinking that maybe cats are instinctively afraid of snakes. ??Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑22 Aug 2019, 4:35pmGotta be the hardwiring fight/flight impulse connected to movement. It's amazing how a cat's behaviour transforms when it catches sight of something foreign moving.Mimi wrote: ↑22 Aug 2019, 4:14pmThere was a baby snake out on the front porch. I called Butters over to watch it slither around. He watched it as it went out of sight and off the side of the porch. I reached over to touch him. He flew in the air. I tried to touch him again. Same thing. He searched the floor for the snake, sniffing, his hair fluffy. I had to laugh but was fascinated by his reaction. Did he know that thing was a snake or was he just freaked out by the movement? He's okay with the skinks but this was a little bigger. Maybe?
"I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back in Whittier, they're not much bigger than two meters.'" - Richard Nixon, Checkers Speech, abandoned early draft
- WestwayKid
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Re: Pets.
One of our cats has seemingly gone into a rapid decline over the past 48 hours. He's 15 (we think) and has been going downhill for at least a year. Nothing specific - just the ravages of old age. He's lost a lot of weight, but until just recently he was active and feisty, but I noticed a change this past weekend. He just seemed to be sleeping more than normal. I came home from work last night and he met me at the door to beg (which is normal). I fed him and then we went to the baseball game and when we came home there was a definite change. He's been resting on the bathroom rug since last night. Awake and alert and not seemingly in pain or distress, but just no energy. I've lived with pets my whole life. I know I'll make the right decision when I need to make it, but this gray area is tough. Not sure if I should let him fade away at home or take him to the vet where I worry I'll be talked into (or I'll talk myself into) having him put down. I'll assess when I get home this afternoon, but this is definitely the crummy part of pet ownership.
"They don't think it be like it is, but it do." - Oscar Gamble
Re: Pets.
I'm sorry. It really sucks.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 9:40amOne of our cats has seemingly gone into a rapid decline over the past 48 hours. He's 15 (we think) and has been going downhill for at least a year. Nothing specific - just the ravages of old age. He's lost a lot of weight, but until just recently he was active and feisty, but I noticed a change this past weekend. He just seemed to be sleeping more than normal. I came home from work last night and he met me at the door to beg (which is normal). I fed him and then we went to the baseball game and when we came home there was a definite change. He's been resting on the bathroom rug since last night. Awake and alert and not seemingly in pain or distress, but just no energy. I've lived with pets my whole life. I know I'll make the right decision when I need to make it, but this gray area is tough. Not sure if I should let him fade away at home or take him to the vet where I worry I'll be talked into (or I'll talk myself into) having him put down. I'll assess when I get home this afternoon, but this is definitely the crummy part of pet ownership.
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- Dr. Medulla
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Re: Pets.
If it's just 48 hours, that might not be indicative of much other than a progression in aging. If he's still eating and (especially) drinking, and still using the litter box, that's the main thing. Cats are really good at hiding their distress, so it's the food and litter that's the big indicator.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 9:40amOne of our cats has seemingly gone into a rapid decline over the past 48 hours. He's 15 (we think) and has been going downhill for at least a year. Nothing specific - just the ravages of old age. He's lost a lot of weight, but until just recently he was active and feisty, but I noticed a change this past weekend. He just seemed to be sleeping more than normal. I came home from work last night and he met me at the door to beg (which is normal). I fed him and then we went to the baseball game and when we came home there was a definite change. He's been resting on the bathroom rug since last night. Awake and alert and not seemingly in pain or distress, but just no energy. I've lived with pets my whole life. I know I'll make the right decision when I need to make it, but this gray area is tough. Not sure if I should let him fade away at home or take him to the vet where I worry I'll be talked into (or I'll talk myself into) having him put down. I'll assess when I get home this afternoon, but this is definitely the crummy part of pet ownership.
"I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back in Whittier, they're not much bigger than two meters.'" - Richard Nixon, Checkers Speech, abandoned early draft
- WestwayKid
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Re: Pets.
Very true. I'm anxious to see how he is when I get home. He might (I hope) just be not feeling well. I saw him eat last night. I saw him drink water several times last night and he did use the box (a little bit of urine). I've learned the hard way about cats hiding their distress until it's too late. Our old vet described it as a rollercoaster - you don't know they're unwell until they're plunging downhill. He's not hiding - which I think is a good sign. I'll let you guys know how it goes when I get home. I'd just love to see him out and about.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 10:46amIf it's just 48 hours, that might not be indicative of much other than a progression in aging. If he's still eating and (especially) drinking, and still using the litter box, that's the main thing. Cats are really good at hiding their distress, so it's the food and litter that's the big indicator.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 9:40amOne of our cats has seemingly gone into a rapid decline over the past 48 hours. He's 15 (we think) and has been going downhill for at least a year. Nothing specific - just the ravages of old age. He's lost a lot of weight, but until just recently he was active and feisty, but I noticed a change this past weekend. He just seemed to be sleeping more than normal. I came home from work last night and he met me at the door to beg (which is normal). I fed him and then we went to the baseball game and when we came home there was a definite change. He's been resting on the bathroom rug since last night. Awake and alert and not seemingly in pain or distress, but just no energy. I've lived with pets my whole life. I know I'll make the right decision when I need to make it, but this gray area is tough. Not sure if I should let him fade away at home or take him to the vet where I worry I'll be talked into (or I'll talk myself into) having him put down. I'll assess when I get home this afternoon, but this is definitely the crummy part of pet ownership.
"They don't think it be like it is, but it do." - Oscar Gamble
- Dr. Medulla
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Re: Pets.
That he isn't hiding is really good, actually, especially because you have other cats. If they're treating him differently, that might also be a sign something's wrong. Fingers crossed that he's just feeling a bit off in his old age.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 10:59amVery true. I'm anxious to see how he is when I get home. He might (I hope) just be not feeling well. I saw him eat last night. I saw him drink water several times last night and he did use the box (a little bit of urine). I've learned the hard way about cats hiding their distress until it's too late. Our old vet described it as a rollercoaster - you don't know they're unwell until they're plunging downhill. He's not hiding - which I think is a good sign. I'll let you guys know how it goes when I get home. I'd just love to see him out and about.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 10:46amIf it's just 48 hours, that might not be indicative of much other than a progression in aging. If he's still eating and (especially) drinking, and still using the litter box, that's the main thing. Cats are really good at hiding their distress, so it's the food and litter that's the big indicator.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 9:40amOne of our cats has seemingly gone into a rapid decline over the past 48 hours. He's 15 (we think) and has been going downhill for at least a year. Nothing specific - just the ravages of old age. He's lost a lot of weight, but until just recently he was active and feisty, but I noticed a change this past weekend. He just seemed to be sleeping more than normal. I came home from work last night and he met me at the door to beg (which is normal). I fed him and then we went to the baseball game and when we came home there was a definite change. He's been resting on the bathroom rug since last night. Awake and alert and not seemingly in pain or distress, but just no energy. I've lived with pets my whole life. I know I'll make the right decision when I need to make it, but this gray area is tough. Not sure if I should let him fade away at home or take him to the vet where I worry I'll be talked into (or I'll talk myself into) having him put down. I'll assess when I get home this afternoon, but this is definitely the crummy part of pet ownership.
"I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back in Whittier, they're not much bigger than two meters.'" - Richard Nixon, Checkers Speech, abandoned early draft
Re: Pets.
I'm so sorry. It hurts like a bitch to make that decision. You can always take him to the vet for a blood test. At least then you can see if liver and kidney values are okay.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 9:40amOne of our cats has seemingly gone into a rapid decline over the past 48 hours. He's 15 (we think) and has been going downhill for at least a year. Nothing specific - just the ravages of old age. He's lost a lot of weight, but until just recently he was active and feisty, but I noticed a change this past weekend. He just seemed to be sleeping more than normal. I came home from work last night and he met me at the door to beg (which is normal). I fed him and then we went to the baseball game and when we came home there was a definite change. He's been resting on the bathroom rug since last night. Awake and alert and not seemingly in pain or distress, but just no energy. I've lived with pets my whole life. I know I'll make the right decision when I need to make it, but this gray area is tough. Not sure if I should let him fade away at home or take him to the vet where I worry I'll be talked into (or I'll talk myself into) having him put down. I'll assess when I get home this afternoon, but this is definitely the crummy part of pet ownership.
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Re: Pets.
I'm leaning towards taking him in for some blood work. It all depends on how he is when I get home.Mimi wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 1:13pmI'm so sorry. It hurts like a bitch to make that decision. You can always take him to the vet for a blood test. At least then you can see if liver and kidney values are okay.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 9:40amOne of our cats has seemingly gone into a rapid decline over the past 48 hours. He's 15 (we think) and has been going downhill for at least a year. Nothing specific - just the ravages of old age. He's lost a lot of weight, but until just recently he was active and feisty, but I noticed a change this past weekend. He just seemed to be sleeping more than normal. I came home from work last night and he met me at the door to beg (which is normal). I fed him and then we went to the baseball game and when we came home there was a definite change. He's been resting on the bathroom rug since last night. Awake and alert and not seemingly in pain or distress, but just no energy. I've lived with pets my whole life. I know I'll make the right decision when I need to make it, but this gray area is tough. Not sure if I should let him fade away at home or take him to the vet where I worry I'll be talked into (or I'll talk myself into) having him put down. I'll assess when I get home this afternoon, but this is definitely the crummy part of pet ownership.
"They don't think it be like it is, but it do." - Oscar Gamble
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Re: Pets.
He was waiting for me in his usual spot by the front door when I got home - loudly demanding food. I gave him some chopped ham and he voraciously are. I just put him on a cooked meat diet: chicken, turkey, ham. I figured that would fill him up better. He’s otherwise always begging when I give him canned food. Anyway, he pigged out and is now back on the bathroom rug. I’m not sure what to think right now. Could this have something to do with his diet? I gave him the new food for the first time last night. Could he actually just be full? I’m so used to him constantly begging. I still want to take him in for bloodwork, but I’m not feeling quite so dire.
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Re: Pets.
Bloodwork is never a bad idea if you're at all worried, but if he's social with you and still eating, it doesn't sound like he's ill. Moodiness is the iffiest symptom for cats because they're basically loners anyway.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 4:51pmHe was waiting for me in his usual spot by the front door when I got home - loudly demanding food. I gave him some chopped ham and he voraciously are. I just put him on a cooked meat diet: chicken, turkey, ham. I figured that would fill him up better. He’s otherwise always begging when I give him canned food. Anyway, he pigged out and is now back on the bathroom rug. I’m not sure what to think right now. Could this have something to do with his diet? I gave him the new food for the first time last night. Could he actually just be full? I’m so used to him constantly begging. I still want to take him in for bloodwork, but I’m not feeling quite so dire.
"I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back in Whittier, they're not much bigger than two meters.'" - Richard Nixon, Checkers Speech, abandoned early draft
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Re: Pets.
He just asked for another serving.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 5:06pmBloodwork is never a bad idea if you're at all worried, but if he's social with you and still eating, it doesn't sound like he's ill. Moodiness is the iffiest symptom for cats because they're basically loners anyway.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 4:51pmHe was waiting for me in his usual spot by the front door when I got home - loudly demanding food. I gave him some chopped ham and he voraciously are. I just put him on a cooked meat diet: chicken, turkey, ham. I figured that would fill him up better. He’s otherwise always begging when I give him canned food. Anyway, he pigged out and is now back on the bathroom rug. I’m not sure what to think right now. Could this have something to do with his diet? I gave him the new food for the first time last night. Could he actually just be full? I’m so used to him constantly begging. I still want to take him in for bloodwork, but I’m not feeling quite so dire.
"They don't think it be like it is, but it do." - Oscar Gamble
- Dr. Medulla
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Re: Pets.
If his litter box habits are still good—that he ain't getting plugged up—then it seems he's just feeling a bit low energy? Our old guy Dickens was prone to constipation, his shit basically turning into rocks inside. That slowed him up, but he also tended not to eat because of the bloat.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 5:13pmHe just asked for another serving.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 5:06pmBloodwork is never a bad idea if you're at all worried, but if he's social with you and still eating, it doesn't sound like he's ill. Moodiness is the iffiest symptom for cats because they're basically loners anyway.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 4:51pmHe was waiting for me in his usual spot by the front door when I got home - loudly demanding food. I gave him some chopped ham and he voraciously are. I just put him on a cooked meat diet: chicken, turkey, ham. I figured that would fill him up better. He’s otherwise always begging when I give him canned food. Anyway, he pigged out and is now back on the bathroom rug. I’m not sure what to think right now. Could this have something to do with his diet? I gave him the new food for the first time last night. Could he actually just be full? I’m so used to him constantly begging. I still want to take him in for bloodwork, but I’m not feeling quite so dire.
"I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back in Whittier, they're not much bigger than two meters.'" - Richard Nixon, Checkers Speech, abandoned early draft
Re: Pets.
Licorice. She also regurgitates her food, especially in the mornings.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 5:19pmIf his litter box habits are still good—that he ain't getting plugged up—then it seems he's just feeling a bit low energy? Our old guy Dickens was prone to constipation, his shit basically turning into rocks inside. That slowed him up, but he also tended not to eat because of the bloat.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 5:13pmHe just asked for another serving.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 5:06pmBloodwork is never a bad idea if you're at all worried, but if he's social with you and still eating, it doesn't sound like he's ill. Moodiness is the iffiest symptom for cats because they're basically loners anyway.WestwayKid wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 4:51pmHe was waiting for me in his usual spot by the front door when I got home - loudly demanding food. I gave him some chopped ham and he voraciously are. I just put him on a cooked meat diet: chicken, turkey, ham. I figured that would fill him up better. He’s otherwise always begging when I give him canned food. Anyway, he pigged out and is now back on the bathroom rug. I’m not sure what to think right now. Could this have something to do with his diet? I gave him the new food for the first time last night. Could he actually just be full? I’m so used to him constantly begging. I still want to take him in for bloodwork, but I’m not feeling quite so dire.
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Re: Pets.
Neither of our girls would last a day on the outside. Luke is such a damned scavenger who will eat literally anything seems a good bet to succeeding at the vagabond life.Mimi wrote: ↑28 Aug 2019, 7:38amLicorice. She also regurgitates her food, especially in the mornings.Dr. Medulla wrote: ↑27 Aug 2019, 5:19pmIf his litter box habits are still good—that he ain't getting plugged up—then it seems he's just feeling a bit low energy? Our old guy Dickens was prone to constipation, his shit basically turning into rocks inside. That slowed him up, but he also tended not to eat because of the bloat.
"I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back in Whittier, they're not much bigger than two meters.'" - Richard Nixon, Checkers Speech, abandoned early draft