My kitty hates me!

[jagman]

Let me start off by saying, I used to be a dog guy, But last year I bought a kitten.
Her name is Sally and she is a spoiled rotten little brat The only time she acts like,she likes me is when I'm holding a can of tuna. ( reminds me of my ex wife)
Anyway she bitten me a few times and it hurts. I will get even! She just sits around
on the couch all day waiting to be fed ( This really reminds me of my ex lol)
Sometimes I can almost read her mind when she's looking at me.( she's flipping me off)
or calling me stupid. I think she thinks, She better than me. Well it looks like it's going
to come down to cat vs man. A battle for superiority.:fencing:

[Heartsong]

Some kittens, like human babies, want to put everything in their mouths. Give her a gentle tap on the top of the nose with your index finger. It will startle her. Pretty soon when your hand approaches her face with a finger raised, she'll associate the biting with a thump. If this doesn't work, be patient, they grow out of it about the time their adult teeth grow in.

[Turcurulin]

Greetings Jagman!
Perhaps I can shed some light on this issue! I am a animal person in general, and one of my jobs is on a farm! Every farm has a cat and/or kittens, or 30! Of course like all beings, they all have different personalities. I have dealt with a few just like yours. It seems to help when you get down to their level, and connect with them. Hate is a strong word, but I feel you in every sense. please don't think I'm a weirdo when I say this but, massaging helps them! I manipulate all their acupressure points, and grow many things they like to eat. They are big fans of catnip, catgrass, and some like catmint as well! Takes the edge off! Circular motions on their forehead seems to work and in their chest area. Scratching their spine is helpful for them b/c they can't reach certain spots. Pressing on the pads of their paws softly on the top and bottom is soothing as well. All animals feed off of our energy, however, it sounds like you may not be able to get close enough. How old is Sally? In due time, this will work! If you are paranoid, when you are close to her, she may sense that and nip at you.
I do know the look you speak of also! We really can read their minds, and they can read ours! As all things are a state of mind, try a calm sweeter approach and see what could be! Let me know what you have tried, and I could extend a helping hand! And hopefully I won't get bit! LOL! Tone in the voice is key, and I am sure you know this, having had a dog and all. Baby talk is silly, but it may work at this point. As for the ex wife, WOW, and I am truly sorry, wish I could have helped you there as well! Quite humorous though! You are very funny and have a excellent attitude towards both! Please let me help! Will get feed back from the farm also, so you can start to have a happy and joyous experience with your little babe!

Much love & gratitude my friend!
Maria!

[Cilka]

I am a dog lady but I ended up finding a cat almost 11 years ago and she has been stuck with me ever since. I love her but I have to say that I would not get another cat, and if I see a stray cat again I will just walk away. It's not that I hate her, I do love her to pieces, if I hated her I would have taken her to SPCA a long time ago. It's just that with a dog you can cuddle with him more, dogs are smarter as well, dogs can be taught tricks and I could take a dog for a walk.

Your cat does not hate you, animals dont hate, people do. She is just a tough cookie, that's all. Next time get a dog. Just dont get rid of her and give her a chance.

[Kristin]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news Jag, but you're going to lose this one. At the end of it, you will love her more then yo love yourself. Have fun in the next 20 years figuring it out.

From the Heart,
Wormhole

[TigaHawk]

Cat wins, im sorry :)

Wait till she does something seriously bad (breaks something by accident, realy big scratch that makes you bleed) and you go to yell at her...

she'll look at you with those eyes.... those pleading... cute.. beady... eyes...... then tilt her head to the side slightly and go "Mao?"

You crumble.

Theres nothing you can do about it.




ALL HAIL OUR CAT OVERLORDS!!! :P

[foreverfan]

I'm know as the "Cat Dude" on another board that I'm a moderator.
Having owned cats for over 20 years here is some excellent advice if you want to develop a great cat. I was a dog owner for the first 30 years of my life, but then the lady of my life decided that I was a cat owner. It's been a fun ride.

Cats aren't dogs and wrestling with them is the worse thing you can do.
They have have claws and teeth for a reason. You should try a ball of string or a shoe lace. A light laser works great too. There are countless ways to entertain a kitten without teaching them how to be aggressive.

http://www.esarcasm.com/wp-content/darth-cat-vader-cropped.jpg

Cats in general have to come to you.
By there very nature, cats are mistrusting. A kitten needs to be show affection ON THEIR TERMS and not yours. Cats are so different from dogs. Case in point, never stare down at a cat. Staring at a cat is an offensive gesture and instinctively the cat will no doubt become defensive. A better thing to do is to ignore the cat. When you catch it looking at you, close your eyes slowly and then open them slowly. This shows the cat that you trust it enough to close you eyes. If the cat doesn't look away, do it again and maybe again. If the cat does it back, this means the cat is "OK" with you.

REQUIRED: The proper way to greet a cat is to hold your finger 1-1/2'' from their nose
and let them come the rest of the way to smell you. Don't stick your finger in the cats nose. Cats like to know what smell is being put on them and may take great offense to just being picked up. One more thing, unlike a dog, cats get overstimulated easily. This means that they don't like to be petted or held for very long. When a cat looks to be put down, do it asap. When they look at you and say, you've petted me enough or don't touch me there, stop. Let them smell your finger and slowly blink your eyes. Don't try to show the cat who's boss. They are and it's not even up for discussion. It the cat scratches you because it wanted to get down, you the idiot and that's why you are bleeding.

If the cat misbehaves, a water spray bottle is the best thing.
Most of the time, they never see what hit them, so try to remain the good guy. You shouldn't need it for long. Remember, your cat will be a cat no matter how much you yell at it, so don't yell at your cat. Pick another method. Detract the cat with a string or something less stressful. Be the good guy the cat loves. This may be the hardest thing for a dog owner to learn.

These are simple things to do and will really help your cat adjust to being a pet.
I've had families that have owned cats and they are amazed at how freely their cat comes to me while their whole family feels terrorized by the crazy cat. The cat's not crazy. The people just are treating it wrong. It's a cat. Dog people have to learn new tricks. Get used to dealing with them on their terms. Don't ever break what I like to call the "Kitty Covenant" and your cat will become very sweet. It really doesn't matter what sex. I've have 3 cats and have never had their claws removed. I don't recommend this and the way they are removed is not pretty.

In any case, remember you're the one with the high IQ.
Go to the pet food store and purchase $1 book on how to relate to your cat. It is well worth the buck. Remember, no matter how hard you try to change it, your cat will always be a cat. Actually, cats are one of the funniest animals God ever created. Unlike a dog they exhibit every bad trait of mankind. It gets comical so laugh at it and see it for what it is instead of trying to change it. Teaching them how to come over to the "Good Side of the Force" is quite an accomplishment.

http://iruntheinternet.com/lulzdump/images/yoda-cat-sleeping-baby-star%20wars-1293147691a.jpg

Check out the "Mean Kitty Song" -Cute, Cute, Cute!!! 61 Million Hits. WOW.

FF


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qit3ALTelOo

[gooty64]

I love farm cats. Did I mention they stay outdoors?

PS.....or in the barn.

[Kimberley]

Lessons from a Cat (Written by me, Kimberley)
(A Lesson About Love)
February 2002

I never knew I could learn so much from a cat. But I did.

It was I who showed my daughters how to call the cat that watched us from the edge of the woods. Here kitty, kitty, kitty. I told them to be still and it would come to us. It did. The cat learned that we were friends and spent time in our yard and on our porch. It liked to be near us. It was I who, one spring day, saw the stray cat eating a moth on our porch. It was I who went the next day and bought some cat food, and began putting out food on our porch daily. It was I who, next winter, felt sorry for the “poor” cold cat and let it into our porch room to give it shelter. It was I who bought a liter box, litter and a litter scoop. And, it was I who really did not like cats. I have often said that the cat adopted us, because; I was not willing to accept that I had chosen to care for a cat. I really did not like cats much. But this was a “nice” cat.

Growing up, my dear mother hated cats, my sweet grandmother hated cats. My grandmother was always trying to find ways to keep them from coming into her yard. The words “the only good cat is a dead cat” have rung in my ears all these years. On the other hand, I also grew up loving animals and birds and such. I capture and release all spiders, wasps, flies, and even ants that are found in my house. I try to be careful where I walk so; I do not step on ants. I realize now how influenced I was by others. My first pet was a duck that hatched in an incubator. There were many dogs, ducks, geese, chickens, several fish, a couple of horses, a turtle or two, parrots and parakeets as pets, but never a cat.

I have often struggled with death in relationship to the food chain. Many times I have struggled with holding a squiggly worm in my hand, feeling its life one moment and the next moment feeding it to a duck. Or piercing a worm with a fish hook in hope of catching a fish, only to want to throw the fish back as soon as possible so as not to kill it. I did not like killing the worm or the fish. I still don’t. But I have come to learn that the food chain is necessary. I feel that most Americans have become very disconnected from their roll in the food chain. All we have to do is go to the grocery store and buy some chicken breasts that no longer have feathers or even resemble the once-living creature they came from. The same is true for the sirloin steak that is sliced, small and far removed from the cow that once lived with that piece as part of its whole. I learned long ago to be consciously thankful and not take for granted the life that was once flowing in all the creatures, fruits, vegetables, and grains, that I eat for enjoyment and sustenance. But I was taught that cats are bad and they kill nice birds and cute chipmunks.

Even knowing all of this, I still struggled every time the cat showed up so proudly with a bird or chipmunk or mouse. I hated the cat killing the “cute” whatever it may be. I felt proud on occasion when I would coax the cat to drop the bird and it would fly away. Several times a living but wounded chipmunk was taken from the cat and put in a box with the hope that it would miraculously recover. It never did. In time, I came to be able to walk away and leave the cat with its prey, to do with it as it would. I learned that the cat ate every morsel of birds, only leaving behind a few feathers. For mice it ate all, including the tail, but left behind a sack of innards I suspect was the digestive system. For moles only the head was spared. I could never understand why the cat caught and killed so many chipmunks, only to leave them at my door. People say that cats leave “presents” for “their people”, but why the chipmunks that I like so much? I could have dealt with their death more easily if they had been eaten. It was the needless killing that bothered me the most. But it must have meant something to the cat to leave its presents for me. I learned to accept the nature of the cat that did what it needed to do, and wanted to do, to survive.

I have known many cat lovers in my life. Some say it is best for all to only have house cats. The health of the cat is better, no dead birds, and so on. I think, if I were to ever choose to have a cat as a pet, I would keep it in. But what happens when a stray cat that has learned to survive in the wild adopts you? A cat that is an excellent hunter because it had to be in order to keep living. A cat that loves to bask in the sun and drink from the stream. If one is adopted by such a cat, does one take that freedom away? I could not. I did not. I viewed this cat as a wild cat and fed it as I do other wild creatures. I have befriended squirrels and chipmunks, and put out birdseed for the birds. All of our left over bread is put out for our crow friends. But they are other wise left to fend for themselves. I had the cat grouped in with the wild, because it came from the wild in my view. I have known of others who put out food for stray cats.

I was taught to hate cats. But I was taught to love all other living creatures. From time to time during my life I have known a “nice” cat or two. There is a difference you know. But even so, cats are aloof and come and go as they please. Cats have not allowed themselves to be at the mercy of their keepers, as dogs do. But I was taught that dogs are good and cats are bad. Why is independence considered a fault and dependence a virtue? I know that not all consider this to be true, but that is part of the message I received in being taught to hate cats.

The cat that adopted my family and me was a “nice” cat. It thrived on attention, but I often did not respond. It followed my daughters to the school bus. It was happy to go down the slide in the arms of a little girl, or sled down a hill in tandem with a child, or even alone after being placed on the sledding tube and gently or not so gently pushed. It was a nice cat. But even my daughters would yell at the top of their lungs, pleading with the cat to release a chipmunk in its mouth. I had passed on to my daughters what I had been taught, to sometimes hate cats. But I also told them that the cats’ hunting was just what cats do, especially this wild cat. I tried to justify and explain. However, they knew that I had trouble with the cat.

One day the cat came home limping with a wound on its leg. We took him to the vet, who prescribed antibiotic pills, and some de-worm pills too. Oh great, worms. But the shocker was the news that, according to the law, if a cat does not have documentation of rabies shots and has been possibly bitten, the cat must be kept in quarantine for six months!!! The other option was euthanasia. What choice did I really have? Kill the “nice” cat that was loved by my daughters and tolerated by me? No way. During the quarantine I even let the cat in the main part of the house for a while. I bought a second litter box for in the house. The cat seemed to be in heaven. He got more attention and could hang out with the girls. But I did not like the cat on my bed or couch. I thought of ticks and worms and who knows what else was lurking on or in the cat. I stopped the “in our house” venture for the cat after the quarantine was over and it was allowed to go back outside again. I did not like the cat in the house, but I did feel badly taking away his apparent happiness living inside the house. He still had his own porch room and slept there most nights all year long. He always had food and water and even a few catnip mice the girls had insisted to buy for him from time to time.

But still I talked to people trying to find a home for the cat, and one day had an offer from a friend, who knew of someone, who wanted a cat that fit the description of “our” cat. I talked to my daughters. Neither of them wanted to give the cat away. I knew that the people who were interested in the cat would keep it indoors. I did not think the cat would be happy only indoors, even though it had spent six months in our house. I told the girls that I really did not like having the cat. My daughter of 3 1/2 would not agree. So the cat remained on our property and ate on our porch and took shelter from the cold in his room. I even turned up the heat a bit on really cold nights.


For the next two and a half years I tolerated the cat. I fed it. I cleaned up after it. And made sure to find someone to give it food when we were away. The girls had named him “Panther”, because he was a totally black cat. I called him “Cat”. I started to just throw the chipmunk “presents” into the woods, instead of burying them one by one. I had learned to accept that a cat is a cat. A cat is a predator. Are humans not predators too? I learned to walk away from the cat with the still living bird in its mouth, and let the cat enjoy his catch. I am sure he was grateful to the bird and me. I never stopped struggling with the thought of what creepy crawly dirty things the cat might have on or in its body. Pregnant women are advised to not clean litter boxes. What else about cats did I not know? I really did not want to know. I was doing the best I would allow myself to do for a cat, a from the wild cat. I tripped over it many times a day. It followed me often. In time, I started to be sure to give it a pat or two. I still would rather not have had a cat. In all fairness I am not in any hurry to have a dog as a pet either.

About a month ago I noticed that the cat was getting skinny and he was drinking a lot of water. Then I noticed he was not too steady on his hind feet. I knew the cat was sick, and I knew the cat was going to die. I talked to my husband who, too, had a love-hate relationship with the cat. I told him that I did not want to take the cat to a vet and spend money for tests and such. This was a stray cat that we fed and let sleep on our porch for shelter. I wanted to just let nature take its course. This was a cat that adopted us. A cat that deserved to live in the wild as it had been doing for years. This was a cat that I had agreed to allow to be part of our lives, but there were limits. I had been taught to hate cats. Even now I would not choose to go find a cat to be a pet, at least I do not think I would. I was tolerating the cat.

For two weeks, in late January, the cat was growing weaker each day. We let him into the house to lie by the fire at the feet of the girls. I removed him from my bed several times and placed him back by the fire. It was a very cold few weeks. The time of year that death is in the air. I knew the cat was going to die. I did not want to have a suffering cat and had decided if suffering became apparent I would take it to get a “shot” at the vet. He did not appear to suffer for long. On a Tuesday morning I found him on his bed in his room, not able to get up. He was trying to move but it was not working very well. He meowed at me one last time. I checked on him a half hour later and he was breathing, I patted him and tried to see if he wanted a drink. He was not moving at all. I checked back one last time before I had to head out of the house. He made one last attempt to move and his head and front paws were hanging over the side of his cat bed. I patted him and told him that is was ok to go. I patted him and said “good bye Panther” we will miss you. I knew he would not be alive when I came back two hours later. He was not.

When I returned it was apparent that he never moved again. I saw the life was gone and I touched his body. I called my husband and told him the news. He was sad too. He asked me how I knew he would be dead when I got home. I told him I just knew. There are things that I know I know, and this was one of those times. I am struck by how strong my knowing had been about that cat. I am struck that I knew he was dying and that I was the witness to his last few hours. For the past few weeks I kept thinking about how the cat had taught me to accept his true nature in regard to life and killing. I treated him as I treated the wounded chipmunks he left over the years. I kept them safe and warm. I checked in on them periodically and let nature take its course. I treated the cat, as I want to be treated. I took no heroic measures to prolong his life, but I would have ended any suffering if it had become apparent. I miss you cat!

I moved the cats’ head and paws back onto its bed and cleaned up the room. I took the liter box, the litter scoop, and the food bowls and put them in the trash. I vacuumed up the room and took all the remaining cat food out to feed to our crow friends. The cats’ body lay in its bed waiting to be seen by my daughters. They needed to be able to say good-bye. They patted him one last time. My youngest daughter cried again and I finally cried for the first time that day. It was not the last time I cried. I did love you cat. I did the best I could.

Why did I buy into the story to dislike cats? What else do I hate? Why did I keep my distance from the cat? Why would I not allow myself to really love the cat? I am full of love. I realize now it was because I was taught to hate cats. I do not blame those that taught me to hate cats. I was so struck to learn and understand that we are all taught to hate. Hate is not the true nature of man or animals. My true nature was leaking out with the care I did allow myself to give, but I held back. I believed the story I was told, programmed to believe. People hate a lot of different things and I now see so clearly how hate is passed down through words and actions. War is about hate that is passed down and taught. People are taught to hate cats. People are taught to hate white skin, black skin, yellow skin, red skin, and Americans. I will try to never hold back my love again. I will try to never teach hate again; I did not realize until now that I was. I will try to teach only love; I thought I was. I will try to live only love. I thought I was teaching love, but I was not always acting in it. I feel that I have mostly been a good example of living in love, but I know that my daughters have learned a little about hate because of things I said about my learned dislike of the cat and its’ killing. I do give myself credit knowing that as I was learning to accept the true nature of the cat, to hunt, to kill, to survive, to love, that I shared my learning with my daughters. I am now sharing with them and with you my re-affirmed lesson to live in love, not hate, and not just tolerance. Understand that hate is not any ones true nature; but it is learned. Let yourself recognize hate and tolerance, and try to understand were it came from. But most importantly, let yourself love and don’t hold back!

Thank you cat for sharing your love with my family and me. Thank you cat for all the lessons you have taught me. I miss you Panther!


A follow up….2004

We adopted Tiger and Bodacious (Bow) as kittens from our local animal shelter. It turns out that the brother and sister kittens were born on the year anniversary of Panthers death. My youngest daughter still cries from time to time because she still misses Panther. We have also been helping our local animal shelter by providing foster care to cats. Our first care went to Bell, a young female cat, that needed us to have her spayed and recover from the surgery in our care. Then we took care of Maddie and Melody, two 5-week-old kittens, until they were old enough to be put up for permanent adoption. Lat spring we took care of Elly, a pregnant cat, in our foster care room and watched her 6 kittens be born May 27th 2004. We kept one of her kittens, Boots. So now we have three cats in the family.

2007 update

Two years ago we brought a yellow lab into our lives, her name is Jamaica. She and the 3 cats are very good friends.
We have had 31 foster kittens and 5 adult female foster cats spend time with us up until now.

2012 update
Our yellow lab dog is 7 years old and our cats are 8 and 9 years old
we have had 85 plus kittens via our foster care and 10 female cats.

Life is good and our animals reach us a lot!!!! Silently to boot!!

[Little Ishta]

Oh my goodness! LMAO Sally sounds like our cats. Yes cats.... we have five now. I rescued a little black kitty last year. He was under a dumpster. (He was only 6 weeks old, I can't believe someone would leave any kind of animal out in winter.) Yep, he's a handful too. But I love him so much. He is quite a character! And smart. And he loves to cuddle at night in bed with me, he actually will put his head on my shoulder and I have to put my arms around him otherwise he will meow at me until I do it. The latest thing he does; we have a rocking chair with a cushion on the seat and the back of it. I was amazed at what he does, he will jump on at the back cushion to bring it down. So in other words, he is on the cushion and he slides it down with his weight then proceeds to make himself comfortable and goes to sleep. I am always fixing the cushion back into place but Chance will just jump back on it to push it down once again. Its a losing battle lol. Oh the antics!! You will have fun with Sally. Just don't give up on her. And Jagman, thank you for the chuckle that you brought to me. Great post!:dance3:

[CD7]

Great Cat Lover thread!!!! CATS are ALOT MORE COMPLICATED then people think. as above posts are saying...they are "particular" about there surroundings and they also need to play..if shes by herself and doesnt have a play buddy she will miss out on that...and cats can get depressed!!! If they dont have enough space and places to go up that can effect their mood too.

I have six and it is a trip!!...especially seeing how they interact with each other, its like watching six humans try to live with each other. And i believe cats should be kept within their own small family unit...they almost have this "pride" thing going on. when cats are by themselves their much more insecure and have "negative" type behaviors. when say kittens stay with mom permenantly, there very loving to each other and happier.

Ok im going on and on! But anyway cats are way more complicated then most people think , watch the show.."my cat from hell" u get alot of insight into their psyche

[gooty64]

CD7, LOL!

I have a friend whose last few cats were named Six, Seven, Eight and Nine!

Cat lovers are so Gay!

Of course I mean in the 1950's sense of the word...


Great Cat Lover thread!!!! CATS are ALOT MORE COMPLICATED then people think. as above posts are saying...they are "particular" about there surroundings and they also need to play..if shes by herself and doesnt have a play buddy she will miss out on that...and cats can get depressed!!! If they dont have enough space and places to go up that can effect their mood too.

I have six and it is a trip!!...especially seeing how they interact with each other, its like watching six humans try to live with each other. And i believe cats should be kept within their own small family unit...they almost have this "pride" thing going on. when cats are by themselves their much more insecure and have "negative" type behaviors. when say kittens stay with mom permenantly, there very loving to each other and happier.

Ok im going on and on! But anyway cats are way more complicated then most people think , watch the show.."my cat from hell" u get alot of insight into their psyche

[Kimberley]

Ah yes Jagman... I recommend you get a second cat...because cats are social creatures just like humans.. they may need a bit of time to adjust to each other, however in no time at all they will be friends... 2 cats are much better than one... and especially since your cat is still very young.... do your self and your cat a favor.. get another cat!!!
Much love!!!

[foreverfan]

Kimberly, to your above story I say, BRAVO.

We have kept quite a few kittens until they went to the no kill shelter. Parting with them is always hard. Oh well, I have a great bunny story I could share, but instead I'll just sum it up quickly.

http://www.penultimosdias.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/crying-man.jpeg

The rabbit just died after 10 years who all the little girls in the neighborhood loved(now 19). He was so friendly and was a junkie for bananas. It was fun.

Thanks for sharing your story Kimberly. It made my day.

FF

http://vetmed.tamu.edu/media/248084/californian%20rabbit.jpg

[Seikou-Kishi]

Your wife was easily pleased if all it took was a tin of tuna :P

[CD7]

OMG so cute tht bunny!!!!

[jagman]

Your wife was easily pleased if all it took was a tin of tuna :P

My ex's fix was not tuna. It was green and had pictures of dead presidents on it lol

[Sidney]

Heres what you do with cats. Reverse psychology. Stay at a distance, when you want to communicate with your beautiful feline friend, let her come to you. Crouch down to her level, and talk to her in a timid gentle voice. Tell her how pretty she is and how much you love her. Have a treat for her. If she doesn't approach her, then back off and try later. eventually she will accept the fact that you deserve her attention, not the other way around. It may take some time, but be patient. Cats, are just that catty. thats why they are cats. lol if you pick her up and she doesnt want to be held, put her down, never force attention. Let her be in charge of the attention she wants to give. and in turn, eventually you will be best of friends. I have had cats all my life. Each one is different, one may be an attention hound and the next may be a hyper snob. But they need to be in charge of their emotions. If she bites, then shes not happy, so do the opposite of what made her do the biting. Spoil her, with canned food, and catnip. ;)

[etm567]

I'm know as the "Cat Dude" on another board that I'm a moderator.
Having owned cats for over 20 years here is some excellent advice if you want to develop a great cat. I was a dog owner for the first 30 years of my life, but then the lady of my life decided that I was a cat owner. It's been a fun ride.


Okay if I ask you a question? Why do cats always want to sit on what you are reading, whether it is a magazine or book or newspaper, or, if you are typing on the computer, on the keyboard? What is that about?

Thanks.

ETM

[TigaHawk]

they can sense you're relaxed etm567.

You're not pre-occupied thinking of things, you're just relaxed off in wonderland. Its inviting :)





For cat experts - help me work out whats going on here please. I have two cats, a big male one called Fonzy, and a younger female one called Xela. (Fonzy is the biggest sissy, Xela pushes him around and its clear she's queen of the house lol)




For MONTHS - we've been hearing our male cat cry out like he's getting beat up.

We'd allways rush out to see whats going on and they hear us coming and we'd allways walk into the room and they'd just be sitting there staring at us going "what... nothing to see here... move along..."


It's taken allmots a year, but ive been able to fine-tune my sneaking around the house skills (my partner still fails miserably and they can hear him a mile away) and ive caught a small glimpse at what is going on.


Xela, is holding fonzy down, and is licking him. And he's screaming like a girl in the process. It was definately licking, and not hurtfull biting, could tell by the long head movements and she'd then move in and do the lil "munch,munch,munch" preening action with her mouth. Fonzy diddnt appear to be held down by her, if he wanted to get up he could, he was lying on his back when i saw.


Whats the deal?? lol


We're going to see if we can get a webcam and a USB extension cable and run it into the main room where this normaly happens to try and see whats going on without having to sneak in.


The second they see/realise that i am there tho, she stops and stands up, he stands up, and they both stare at me going "WHAT?!!?!"


:P

[ViralSpiral]

Your wife was easily pleased if all it took was a tin of tuna :P

My ex's fix was not tuna. It was green and had pictures of dead presidents on it lol


LOOOOL. Thanks for the chuckle. Seikou-Kishi took the words out of my mouth ;)

AnyhÖÖt, there actually is no competition. Substitute Ralph with Jagman


http://jokideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/395206_10150636020376450_828721449_9240022_1964429227_n.jpg

[Calz]

Ah yes Jagman... I recommend you get a second cat...because cats are social creatures just like humans.. they may need a bit of time to adjust to each other, however in no time at all they will be friends... 2 cats are much better than one... and especially since your cat is still very young.... do your self and your cat a favor.. get another cat!!!
Much love!!!

Yep ... get a 2nd cat.

Worked wonders for my two sons ... :shocked: (joking of course)


14676

[ThePythonicCow]

Yep ... get a 2nd cat.
Perhaps the cat can handle that matter herself ... mine did anyway ... on nice days some neighbor cat sits on the stoop, next to my cat. They seem to enjoy each other's company, even though the only interaction I observe (not having feline eyes) is my cat occasionally and gently swatting the neighbor cat, when she wants to walk down the steps and the other cat is in the way.

[Carmen]

You should know Jagman, dogs have owners, cats have staff!!!

[Calz]

You should know Jagman, dogs have owners, cats have staff!!!

You should also know, Jagman, Carmen has a great point and a divorce with your cat would involve dramatically less in alimony payments than your x.

Why not consider a dog instead???

Picture this ... playing tennis in your backyard tennis court and a miscued ball sails over the fence into your swimming pool ...

Now tell me honestly ... would a cat do this for you???


14686

[Debra]

Cats, they are masters of surprise .. never a dull moment
zsO3vuzK7x4

[sleepy]

xxxxx xxxxx

[minkton]

You really HAVE to 'squinge' at your kitten. That is, make relaxed eye contact and several times slowly and deliberately 'squinge' which is a pulling together of the upper and lower lids. it's like saying 'so lovely!' with your eyes. As if you bit into something gorgeous. DO it a lot. It's a sign of great relaxation and affection, to a cat. You also have to whisper a lot to your kitten. They love whispering. With the squinging and the whispering, you will start to be more interesting. ALso if you find a bit of fur and stroke it as you sit quietly with it on or near you, very peacefully, the kitten wil eventually notice that what you are doing looks interetsing and never resutsin any sudden movements or anything unpleasant, but signals relax time. If you have a hot water bottle also near you , the kitten may be drawn by the heat. Or lie in a patch of sunlight . yeh, I know.. lie in a patch of sunlight squinging and whispering.. anyway.. you might enjoy it!

[crested-duck]

This thread so far has made me laugh,smile, and have to stop and wipe my eyes a couple times. I'll just add that the last 2 cats that chose me&my wife were nothing short of awesome and a source of true unconditional love. Wife brought home male kitten she took from lady with basket of kittens standing in front of local store. He was little straggly thing with burnt wiskers, little body with big head and double paws on all 4, perfect gray & lt grey tiger stripes. We named him Chevy and later found out from vet he was a egyptian mau, when had him fixed. Let me back up here-about 2-3 weeks after chevy arrived I was building a greenhouse for a customer and this little tiny runt of a kitten, cute as heck with doubles on the front paws started following me around. At lunch time when I sat down on ground she climbed up and sat in my crotch purring like crazy. I tore up the ham in my sandwich and fed her, I could sense she was starving and needed a meal. Later that day owner of nursury came to talk to me and see progress of job, and I asked about cat because it was definately too small to be away from it's mother. He told me it's mother had been run over by the tractor days earlier,and do'nt worry it's a runt and will be dead soon as well. The cat went home with me and became chevy's mate for life. We had them both fixed, and get their shots together months later, and they spent whole lives inside and never saw a vet again. Chev & bootsy were inseperable, ate, slept,played, and bathed each other daily.Chevy had to be put down because of cancer,he was 12 yrs old,and weighed 17 pounds that day. My/our little girl(Bootsy)stayed very small for life, and was never the same after looseing chevy. Eventually we lost her too, she lived to be 1month short of21 years to the day I took her home. She was haveing heart failure and her little lungs were filling with fluid, it was time for her to go be with chevy. That was one of the worst days of my life, and I am gratefull to have had them in my life. I cannot express in words the unconditional love that was experienced with them. The greatest pets are the ones that choose us !

[Little Ishta]

Ah yes Jagman... I recommend you get a second cat...because cats are social creatures just like humans.. they may need a bit of time to adjust to each other, however in no time at all they will be friends... 2 cats are much better than one... and especially since your cat is still very young.... do your self and your cat a favor.. get another cat!!!
Much love!!!

Yep ... get a 2nd cat.

Worked wonders for my two sons ... :shocked: (joking of course)


14676

Every time I see this pic of the 2 cats I am immediately reminded of the song Kung Foo Fighting lol

[CD7]

Crested duck tht story made me leek! So add crying to the emotions found in this thread!

[Little Ishta]

This video was shown on a morning show here in Canada.... very interesting cat!
YcjSLBca5-M

[Sidney]

they can sense you're relaxed etm567.

You're not pre-occupied thinking of things, you're just relaxed off in wonderland. Its inviting :)





For cat experts - help me work out whats going on here please. I have two cats, a big male one called Fonzy, and a younger female one called Xela. (Fonzy is the biggest sissy, Xela pushes him around and its clear she's queen of the house lol)




For MONTHS - we've been hearing our male cat cry out like he's getting beat up.

We'd allways rush out to see whats going on and they hear us coming and we'd allways walk into the room and they'd just be sitting there staring at us going "what... nothing to see here... move along..."


It's taken allmots a year, but ive been able to fine-tune my sneaking around the house skills (my partner still fails miserably and they can hear him a mile away) and ive caught a small glimpse at what is going on.


Xela, is holding fonzy down, and is licking him. And he's screaming like a girl in the process. It was definately licking, and not hurtfull biting, could tell by the long head movements and she'd then move in and do the lil "munch,munch,munch" preening action with her mouth. Fonzy diddnt appear to be held down by her, if he wanted to get up he could, he was lying on his back when i saw.


Whats the deal?? lol


We're going to see if we can get a webcam and a USB extension cable and run it into the main room where this normaly happens to try and see whats going on without having to sneak in.


The second they see/realise that i am there tho, she stops and stands up, he stands up, and they both stare at me going "WHAT?!!?!"


:P



OMG-ROTFLMAO Thank you for the laugh. I have an exact visual. Sounds like they are simply playing around.

[kcbc2010]

Every cat has its own personality. We had two cats for awhile and it was just hilarious to watch them interact because they were sooo different.

The first cat we got had a serious chip on his shoulder. He knew what the rules were, but he really was just a loner type. That said, #1 really wasn't happy when our next cat adopted my husband. Basically, #2 was a stray and when my husband found him, it looked like the cat had just gotten into a fight. So, of course, he didn't want to leave it outside with its nose all torn up. After a couple of hundred dollars we find out that the cat had really bad allergies. However, personality wise, #2 was the exact opposite of our other cat. He was sweet and playful and he was totally devoted to my husband - regardless of how husband felt about it. This cat literally just stayed in our lives as it was the most natural place for him to be....

Sad thing was that neither of them really didn't adjust well to our son's birth, so it became necessary to part ways.

[CD7]

Ok wanted to share cute furbaby pics!!

Those four white kittens were birthed from the blk and white cat in one of the pics. Daddy must have been the white one and handsome! I have three of them and the mom now...there much bigger!

[TigaHawk]

Our very very very first cat "chose" us as well.


My dad was saying he was at work one day having lunch outside, and this lil black and white kitten walks up to him and jumps on his lap, purrs like crazy.


He took her home and thats how we got Socks :)



If you havent seen Maru the cat, he's.. uh... special :P


2_5tpLjUcrE

[foreverfan]

I'm know as the "Cat Dude" on another board that I'm a moderator.
Having owned cats for over 20 years here is some excellent advice if you want to develop a great cat. I was a dog owner for the first 30 years of my life, but then the lady of my life decided that I was a cat owner. It's been a fun ride.


Okay if I ask you a question? Why do cats always want to sit on what you are reading, whether it is a magazine or book or newspaper, or, if you are typing on the computer, on the keyboard? What is that about?

Thanks.

ETM

Once the turn to the "Good Side of the Force" they become attention whores.

[anklebiter]

Jagman, your cat is under my control. She does not hate you, she is commanded, by be, to attack you. You know the reasons why! Today, she will bite you twice and slap you with her paws. This will happen before noon.

The attacks will increase in number and intensity. Have a good day. ;)

[Cilka]

Let me start off by saying, I used to be a dog guy, But last year I bought a kitten.
Her name is Sally and she is a spoiled rotten little brat The only time she acts like,she likes me is when I'm holding a can of tuna. ( reminds me of my ex wife)
Anyway she bitten me a few times and it hurts. I will get even! She just sits around
on the couch all day waiting to be fed ( This really reminds me of my ex lol)
Sometimes I can almost read her mind when she's looking at me.( she's flipping me off)
or calling me stupid. I think she thinks, She better than me. Well it looks like it's going
to come down to cat vs man. A battle for superiority.:fencing:

Have a look at this latest research. http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/blogs/shine-on/cat-purrs-help-prevent-heart-attacks-191720253.html
You kitty cat will keep you healthy, you are going to have 40% less chance of developing hearth disease. Give her a big kiss for that today.

[jagman]

Here is a pic of my Sally Ann and she still loves to hate me. But she is so
darn cute! She is a tortie

[Rich]

t03tIsBPj6Y

[Lifebringer]

Cats are phychic and really can tell your moods. Not saying it's you, because most times it's not, but the world battle daily can come home on you and when you approach a female kitty, pretend she's a virgin and new to the ground because she really is in virgin territory with the opposite species male. So get in touch with your x/female divine feminine and complement her and coax. Like most girls we like to be wooed, and don't forget to put plenty of hanging strings with plastic spiders or mice on them for her change her mood for play. Let us know how it goes, we've got two boys and at first they didn't want to share the love, but now that we old folks are too slow to really give chase, they play very well together and groom.
PS The reason we have two of the same sex is to avoid unnecessary pregnancy and guys like to hang out. Big bro Dynka and Gen. Lee are chilling like villains now.

[Cidersomerset]

I was looking at some vids of funny cats and came across this heart warming story


UlytJkufQDw

Published on 4 May 2012


Come and say hello to James Bowen and his feline friend.


Get the Hanky ready ..LOl..

9Ba1PEHRAZo


James & Bob working..............

PccD1ULea4A


Raising money for the Blue cross...

x8z505ym0xQ


Will Hollywood change their lives....

LkwELUsBxYQ

[Sidney]

Here is a pic of my Sally Ann and she still loves to hate me. But she is so
darn cute! She is a tortie

She is BEAUTIFUL!!! Don't forget too, shes still a kitten. One of my cats its only 3 yrs old, and she just now is starting to calm down. Shes also a long haired tortie. She has the talent that she can purr and growl at the same time. We always thought she was mad at us when all along she is just a talker.
If you ever get another cat, there are certain breeds that are know for their cuddliness.
Here is just one example.
Ragdoll Cats

Photo Credit: © About.com Guest, Pat Brown
The Ragdoll Cat is aptly named. She collapses into an armful of blissful beauty, as long as she gets the attention and affection she craves. Ragdolls make lovely furry family members, as the experts will attest

CFA
"They are known to run to greet you at the door, follow you from room to room, flop on you, sleep with you, and generally choose to be where you are. Many Ragdolls have been taught to come when called and play fetch."
TICA
"The Ragdoll is a relaxed, happy cat and, like a child's ragdoll, many of these cats will go limp in your arms and flop like a stuffed doll when cuddled. Generally, the Ragdoll cat is a loving, quiet cat with a very laidback disposition. If you are looking for a very active cat or a talkative cat, a Ragdoll probably is not the breed for you"
FBRL
"The Ragdoll cat breed is best known for its docile and placid temperament. The Ragdoll personality is exceptionally gentle and easy-going. "

Or go to your local shelter, get an adult cat that already has its personality formed, and pick the one that love you to hold it, and loves your attention.

I have 3 cats(down from 6), and only one is a real snuggler, but its on her terms. If we are in the TV room, she will come in and pick a lap, and stay there. She also has a favorite blanket, and whoever is using it, that is where she will plop down.

I had two cats for 22 years, both finally had to be put down last year. They were not littermates, but I had gotten them at the same time. They were both lovers. Loved to be held, picked up, kids carried them around, pushed them in baby carriages, etc. etc. Its as if the floor did not exist for one of them. She had to be held all the time. If we were home, she was on one of us, until the very end. They will forever be a part of me.

One of my 3 remaining, is a total antisocial. You cant hold her, pick her up, or even pet her unless the rare occasion that she approaches me and lets me pet her. She in fact is afraid of her own shadow. She is afraid of everything except her sister. she was never abused or anything, as she was born under my bed, ans has been with us ever since. That was about 7 years ago. Some things are cerrtainly built in with their DNA I guess.

Most dogs don't like me, even though I love all animals. Ive been bitten once, and growled at several times. Go figure.

[BrianEn]

Let me start off by saying, I used to be a dog guy, But last year I bought a kitten.
Her name is Sally and she is a spoiled rotten little brat The only time she acts like,she likes me is when I'm holding a can of tuna. ( reminds me of my ex wife)
Anyway she bitten me a few times and it hurts. I will get even! She just sits around
on the couch all day waiting to be fed ( This really reminds me of my ex lol)
Sometimes I can almost read her mind when she's looking at me.( she's flipping me off)
or calling me stupid. I think she thinks, She better than me. Well it looks like it's going
to come down to cat vs man. A battle for superiority.:fencing:


Welcome to the world of a cat. You are no longer the boss. She will dictate to you based on her needs at the present time. Here's a diary in the day of dog and the day of a cat.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/21/joke-cat-vs-dog----war-of_n_1534447.html

[Bill Ryan]

http://projectavalon.net/How_to_tell_if_your_cat_is_plotting_to_kill_you.jpg

[dianna]

0M7ibPk37_U

[Limor Wolf]

http://projectavalon.net/How_to_tell_if_your_cat_is_plotting_to_kill_you.jp g



There are some wild slurs here about cats! of course, each and every one of them is justified


An Engineers' guide to Cats



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHXBL6bzAR4&list=PLAF5DCE68C0225D63

Limor

[CosmicKat]

LOL.. Love this thread.

YOU KNOW YOU'RE KITTY WHIPPED WHEN...Your kitten allows you to live with them....
when you don't make the bed because there are several little furballs laying in the middle of it....when you make their breakfast of salmon and shrimp before you make yours consisting of coffee and cold cereal....when you let the answering machine get the call because there are two little critters asleep in your lap....when you know she will be on the sunporch for only two minutes because it is too cold, but you wait by the door to let her back in.... I wondered why I always loved men with fur on their backs.

[Mulder]

I had a pet cat that hated all people in the house. Nothing made any difference and we had to give her to the local shelter. I'm not getting another cat as they are too difficult for me.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mc7bmpSaKx1r01zofo1_500.jpg

[Nothingness]

I can hardly post here because my kitty died recently and I buried her under the hummingbird feeder tree: little Emmy. She was the sweetest little cat I've ever had. She put up with Buster who was a Tom.

Buster was like a wife-beater on steroids; Mr. Macho Macho. I had huge herb pots all over the house because I had to put him in time out a lot. He would snuggy up and lay down in the sage and thyme and mint, and calm down once I put him there, and I fed him a lot of cat nip, too. But alas, poor Buster tore through the screen door last fall and was out all night, and up here there are wolves and coyotes lurking about, so we never saw poor Buster again.

[778 neighbour of some guy]

This kitty loves you!!

q-H2Lil8zu8

z5LXNU5UCUY

zuiKbnA3w0Q

[InCiDeR]

How to give the cat a pill

1. Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.

2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.

3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.

4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.

5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.

6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.

7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.

8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.

9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.

10. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.

11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus jab. Throw Tee-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.

12. Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil-wrap.

13. Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour 2 pints of water down throat to wash pill down.

14. Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table.

15. Arrange for SPCA to collect cat and ring local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.


---

How to give the dog a pill

1. Wrap it in bacon.

[778 neighbour of some guy]

YG_5Zpwozu8

[vilcabamba]

how long have you had your cat?

When i first got my kitten, she terrorized me and my dog. She treated us like we were her pray and she would attack us when we slept. She would knock pictures off the wall and bang the shower glass door all night. It was a nightmare. I even had a boyfriend over and she got territorial and smeared her poop all over the bathroom walls when the guy was over. I didn't notice it until my boyfriend left and i sure hope he didn't think it was something i did on the bathroom wall.

Now it's been like 10 years later and my cat is all grown up and mature. She is kind and loving and totally adoring to me. She and my dog are like siblings but they she no longer terrorizes my dog. My cat is completely loving now. I get so much adoring looks from her and much love. The kitty faze was difficult and i'm glad i stuck it out. My queen of sheeba is the love of my life in addition to the princess (my dog).

On a high strangeness note, my cat talks sometimes. She says "nooooo" and "maaaaa" and a month ago i told her that she eats too much and she can't have more food (as she was begging me for more) and she talked to me and said 'Aaahhh waaaaant mooooore"...i stood there in shock. I still don' know what made her say it. I think the people above have a good sense of humor.

[jagman]

how long have you had your cat?

When i first got my kitten, she terrorized me and my dog. She treated us like we were her pray and she would attack us when we slept. She would knock pictures off the wall and bang the shower glass door all night. It was a nightmare. I even had a boyfriend over and she got territorial and smeared her poop all over the bathroom walls when the guy was over. I didn't notice it until my boyfriend left and i sure hope he didn't think it was something i did on the bathroom wall.

Now it's been like 10 years later and my cat is all grown up and mature. She is kind and loving and totally adoring to me. She and my dog are like siblings but they she no longer terrorizes my dog. My cat is completely loving now. I get so much adoring looks from her and much love. The kitty faze was difficult and i'm glad i stuck it out. My queen of sheeba is the love of my life in addition to the princess (my dog).

On a high strangeness note, my cat talks sometimes. She says "nooooo" and "maaaaa" and a month ago i told her that she eats too much and she can't have more food (as she was begging me for more) and she talked to me and said 'Aaahhh waaaaant mooooore"...i stood there in shock. I still don' know what made her say it. I think the people above have a good sense of humor.

I have had her about a year and half. I love her so much. My cat sally
also talks. lol I will stand up and hold my hands out and tell her i'm a monster
and i'm coming to get her and she tells me to stop. I will post a vid soon.

[Poly Hedra]

LOL!!!!
I have a cat now but I hate it when people ask if you like dogs or cats, they are totally different and what's the point in comparing? It really bothers me I have to say. I love cats and dogs. Having a dog is like having a child. That's the only difference for me.
I love my cat soooo much. What a beautiful soul. They are so simple, basic needs.
You have got to understand the needs of a cat, they are so affectionate, friendly and open, only when you teach them to be so.

We have taught our cat to scratch our hands only because we have waved our hands in front of her when she was a kitten, so she learned that our hands were toys, I keep trying to tell my boyfriend to stop making his hands a toy but then he's shocked when she rips his hand off!

That post of how to know a kit is planning your demise is hilarious lol. Especially the litter part haha!

[AriG]

Ah, your kitty doesn't hate you. Your kitty loves you and loves the fact that you are a kitty novice. Gives her the "upper paw" so to speak.

When I was 20 years old and an apartment dweller, I brought home a stray cat. A young Tom who ended up being a bruiser of a thing.

I fed him well, gave him all the "creature comforts" but could not understand why in the world this cat growled at me all the time. No matter what I did, I was met with a growl.

Imagine my surprise when my friend explained that the growl was actually a purr and that my cat hating mother did me a great disservice by banning anything feline from our home.

Same story with my first goat. I still have a scar from trying to milk a goat to whom I had not been "properly introduced". You have to learn to speak their language.

Your kitty is just teaching you to speak kitty. Those are "love bites". Cats are passive aggressive and expect you to anticipate their every need and thought ( not unlike ex-wives) That said? Replace the cat, replace the wife...get new ones. The results will be the same. You as an Alpha male are doomed to cater to our every whim as we pretend to detest your every move while secretly loving you. That's the price you have to pay for getting a " little kitty " now and then. (LOL)

[GloriousPoetry]

I love cats....all I can say... they rule humans....

[jagman]

Cats are kool,No doubt about it! but i also love all of gods creatures except spiders. I have a spider phobia. they make a 6"2 220 pound manly man
turn into a little girl lol

[DeDukshyn]

Here's Kingston, and the wound he "accidentally" inflicted on my upper arm ... with his teeth.

(in the Cat's defense he grew really big and strong extremely fast and didn't have any proper "practice" on how to use his strength appropriately -- a few people got hurt, lol)

2131821319

[Poly Hedra]

Wow, deep wound,looks like a vampire got to you. I have so many cuts on my hands and arms at any one time I often joke that people might think that I self harm.

[Rich]

We had a cat that would sometimes bite you if you stopped petting her. But she never bit my dad cause he was more confident.

[AriG]

Ah Jagman, but didn't you cry just a little when "Charlotte the spider" died? (given that you are younger than 70 and know what I am talking about:)http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/dvd/aplus/charweb/charweb9-hi.jpg

[jagman]

Ah Jagman, but didn't you cry just a little when "Charlotte the spider" died? (given that you are younger than 70 and know what I am talking about:)http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/dvd/aplus/charweb/charweb9-hi.jpg

AriG, Spiders serve their purpose in the great circle of life.
I love Charlottes Web I put it right up there with
It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.lol

[AriG]

Ah Jagman, but didn't you cry just a little when "Charlotte the spider" died? (given that you are younger than 70 and know what I am talking about:)http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/dvd/aplus/charweb/charweb9-hi.jpg

AriG, Spiders serve their purpose in the great circle of life.
I love Charlottes Web I put it right up there with
It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.lol

Lest we not forget another great 1970's childhood tear jerker.... " Born Free "
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_ryvqTvUtY

Let's hear it for schmaltzy songs and white leisure suits! I bet you kitty will like this video!

[foreverfan]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNGgOawqMNE/UV1_-BFyD5I/AAAAAAAABHU/ra5P8zBSx7I/s1600/dogs-cats.jpg

[Team Zen]

Oh my gosh how I love this thread!

First of all, one thing to try if a kitty does something you don't like (e.g. be on a piece of furniture you don't want her on) you can flick her on the ear- Mama cats bite the ear of her kittens to reprimand them for things they aren't supposed to do. It really works! My cat Bowie would always jump into my baby's bassinet (before baby came)- but after flicking his ear a couple times, he doesn't do it- he still likes to walk on the edge of it, but doesn't go inside...

Kitties are magical. They are so connected to the universe and the astral plane. Even though it may look like they're sleeping 20 hours a day many cats are hard at work on another plane helping others in need.

My beloved friend Tyler (my cat from the time I was 11 to 30 yrs old) is actually the one who introduced my to my awakening. I adopted him from the pound when he was 2. He was a Maine Coon. (Very cool breed, laid back and big!) It was love at first sight. I'm sure we have spent many lifetimes together. He was my teacher, protector, companion, parent, kid, and confidante all in one- the only stable and consistent part of my tumultuous adolescence and 20's. He saw me grow up. He moved with me so many times- even went to Europe with me a few times. In the airport I would take him out of the carrier and he would sit on top of my luggage on the trolley totally chill and we'd scoot around the terminals, everyone oohing and ahhing at the sight. I could go to a cafe and he'd sit/lay beside me...In the car he'd sit in my lap for the 2 minute drive to the pet store, and I could carry him inside on my shoulder to pick out his food...When he was 20 he got mouth cancer. I would cry to him about how much I was going to miss him, how special he is to me. He walked up to my face and licked my tears away. He told me when he was ready to go. I had his paw print tattooed on my arm. I still miss him everyday (he passed in 2007).

4 days after his passing I adopted 2 kitties, another Maine Coon (1/2 MC half manx) named Buster, who was already 12, and Ollie, just a tabby cat (but such the lover). I "talked" to Buster on my way to the pound (about an hour drive). When I got there and met him it was like we already had been together always...I lived in China for a year, when I was there the cats stayed at Grandma's in France. While in Shanghai I found a 3 week old street kitten I named Bowie. I nurtured him back to health. I stayed in China longer to meet the requirements to take him out of the country. He has definitely been an adventure! Kittens are very trying and spastic. He'd get so worked up and nothing would calm him down, to the point where I'd stick him under the shower- all that did was distract him for a bit while he licked himself off. Nowadays water doesn't even phase him. He used to bite and scratch and play rough, and break EVERYTHING, but as he's gotten older (he's 4 now) he has managed to calm down some, even be really drooly affectionate. But he's a cat that needs a lot of stimulation. Good thing he has Ollie to play with. Buster on the other hand does not like his rough housing, and will let his opinion be known!

When I got pregnant last year I was really worried about the cats and the baby...but between talking to the cats about it for months, changes/additions to our home and them sensing another life in my belly, by the time my baby came home they weren't phased at all. They sniffed her, would check her out, but never did any of them show any negative or aggressive behavior towards her. Buster is like her Grandpa. He checks on her, nuzzles her, lies down next to her (never on her!). I trust my cats with her implicitly, despite so many warnings from others about how I need to be careful, don't let them near her, etc.etc. We are such a happy family! My favorite time is in the morning when all of us are on the bed together. I am so happy my daughter can be around such good cat energy. She is totally zen, just like the kitties, and thanks to them, I am too. Go Team Zen!!

[dianna]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlKYtLlvRlU

[Kraut]

Great thread. Life is so much better with cats, hopefully I can have one again soon. I used to visit some cats that live in the neighbourhood, one had kittens and it was fun to watch them and play with them. One of the kittens bonded, I wish I could have kept it. These little fellas can steal your heart in no time.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz270/Plainbrain/Cats/72ab3d1e-ef77-4d89-baf1-a85f0d1dbd95_zps66f897c2.jpg (http://s834.photobucket.com/user/Plainbrain/media/Cats/72ab3d1e-ef77-4d89-baf1-a85f0d1dbd95_zps66f897c2.jpg.html)
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz270/Plainbrain/Cats/60468eee-b148-4a59-b8fa-06684d8250f1_zpse74de149.jpg (http://s834.photobucket.com/user/Plainbrain/media/Cats/60468eee-b148-4a59-b8fa-06684d8250f1_zpse74de149.jpg.html)

Some nocturnal exercise.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz270/Plainbrain/Cats/ce1bd469-c0a4-4b72-bec4-15b5d8add5e1_zpsbf3795e8.jpg (http://s834.photobucket.com/user/Plainbrain/media/Cats/ce1bd469-c0a4-4b72-bec4-15b5d8add5e1_zpsbf3795e8.jpg.html)