Conference misery::feline_v1

    
    First of all, do your very best to retrieve her from her hiding spot
    and gently but _thoroughly_ examine her.  Be firm, as the Vet would be
    if you brought her there to be checked.  It's important to make sure
    she doesn't have any fight wounds.  My cat Sebastion was once bitten or
    clawed in an unaccessible spot on his back, where he couldn't reach to
    keep it clean, and since I didn't even know he was in a fight, much
    less wounded, it became quite infected before he began showing signs of
    pain or discomfort, and had developed a temperature.  The wound was
    completely covered with his long fur, so it took the Vet to find it, I
    only noticed his sensitivity in that spot on his back. 
    
    I would guess from her behavior that she is most likely in pain,
    otherwise has had a terrible fright.  It will take several days
    for a wound to become infected if she is not cleaning it herself,
    so just make sure you get her and examine her when you get
    home.   
    
    And of course, give her all the love and reassurance you can to
    make her feel better and, most importantly, to trust you.
    
    Amy.
    
                                                          

    Almost forgot... make sure you check her hindquarters well.  Animals
    often will give a last ditch lunge from behind as their foe is turning to
    flee.
                   
    And, are you SURE it was a "cat fight" that frightened her?
    
    

    I know that cats can be "out of sorts" for perhaps a day after a
    fight.  I also know that, if there has been a break in the skin
    from a bite or scratch, an abcess is likely to follow.  This is
    even true if the cat can reach the spot to clean it.  I have heard
    several explanations for this that all sound reasonable, but the
    fact remains that a cat fight usually means a trip to the vet for
    draining.  Your cat does seem to be reacting a bit more than one
    would expect, however, so you might consider the possibility that
    the kitty was hurt before the fight.  Animals that have been hurt
    are always more likely to become victims of another animal.  Try
    to check her out tonight.  If she is still reluctant, you might
    consider seeing a vet.
    
    Good luck
    
    Marion

    REPLY TO #2 -
    
    I'm almost positive it was a fight with a cat that frightened her.
    A few minutes before she came in the house, we heard the awful yowling
    and hissing.  I turned on the outside light (it was around 10:00)
    and a big yellow tabby ran like h*ll from the bushes.  Also, I forgot
    to mention that Katie is a semi-longhair.  If she does have any
    wounds, it might be best to take her to the vet first, right?  I
    don't think we'll be able to get her in her little cat-carrier since
    she refuses to move from her spot.  Also, she isn't attempting to
    cleanse any wounds on her (if she has them).  Is it possible she
    could have just gotten VERY SCARED?  As of 12:30 last night (yes,
    I was awake) she wouldn't let me put my hand near her.  As of this
    morning at 7:30, she's letting me scratch under her chin and on
    top of her head.  Could that mean that she's calming down somewhat?
    
    I hope I can make it through this day...I'm so worried about her!
    
    Patty

    PLEASE, GET HER TO A VET!  It sounds like she is hurting badly
    somewhere, in which case her instinct would be to hide.  I only
    know this from my own experiences.  When I used to let my Billie
    out, she (also a "stand and fight" type) she recieved a huge wound
    near the genitals that required twice-daily applications of an
    antibiotic and cleansing.  She, too, came in and hid, and wouldn't
    come out for ANYTHING.  
    
    Your best bet right now is to call your vet, and describe what
    happened.  Then gently but firmly put her in her carrier and get
    her there.  Cats heal very quickly, and if she does have a serious
    bite or wound, it can heal right over, causing a painful abscess.
    
    Yes, I agree she may be very scared right now, but it sounds like
    she is hurting, too.  
    
    Please let us know how she is doing,
    
    Jane
    

    
    
    I agree with .3, the Vet will be able to find a wound the best, and
    then can deal with it right away.  In the mean-time,  I wouldn't worry
    too much,  I doubt her _present_ condition is dangerous, she may just
    require treatment, and waiting til this evening won't do harm. Even
    though it may be difficult to think of the poor baby being hurt, she'll
    be okay til then. (If anyone out there disagrees, please say so!!).
    Just be sure you make an appointment.
    
    So, fear not, just have her checked out when you can!
    
    Amy.
     
        
    

    Thank you, everyone for your advice.  I just made an appointment
    for Katie to visit the vet tomorrow afternoon.  I've managed to
    calm down a little (I really was upset coming to work this morning)
    thanks to all of you who responded to my plea.  
    
    Katie is such an affectionate and happy cat, and seeing her in this 
    pain really upsets me.
    
    I'll let you all know how she makes out.  Thanks for being there
    when I needed you!
    
    Signed, Patty
    (novice cat-owner)

    I hope Katie is feeling better. i agree a trip to Kitty-Kamp (aka
    the vets) is in order.. if she is still not eating etc.. you might
    try a baby bottle and bring it to her... (use a water abd sugar
    combo..... very little sugar!!! also try baby cereal.. just so she
    gets some type of nutrition.. also if she still wont come out..
    just keeping talking to her.. just general conversation .. it will
    soothe her and of course petting and attention is in order.. Pookie
    is an indoor kitty.. but on her last trip to the groomer.. she decided
    to stay in a "snit for awhile.. just to make mummyfeel guilty..
    and she
    hid and .. I called the vets,, and these were his suggestions..
    they do work.. please let us know how she is. 
    regards
    Kate .. Pookies mom.....

    Whenever a cat hides like that it is a good idea to bring the cat
    into the vet, especially if the cat isn't eating.
    
    A couple of months ago, begining on a Sat. nite, Eirene was acting like
    this. I brought her to the vet Monday morning. She was running a
    high fever. The vet yelled at me for not calling on Sunday (it turns
    out he was the vet in the area on duty). Anyhow, in addition to
    the fever, she was also dehydrated. Even though she was obviously
    sick and didn't want to touch her cat food, the vet said it was
    real important to get something down her and suggested baby food.
    She loved it! I fed her the strained {chicken:lamb:beef} with
    {noodles:vegtables}. The good part was that she recovered; the bad
    part was that she began demanding babyfood with every meal, and
    softie that I am ...
    
    Deb

    Well, folks, I have good news about Katie.  She's fine!  (Whew!!)
    
    We took her to the vet's Monday night and had her checked for
    scratches, etc.  The vet said he couldn't find any visible damage,
    however, her shoulders were VERY sore.  (I could indeed tell the
    way she was howling when he was examining her!)  He gave her an
    injection of antibiotic so that in case cuts do appear after a few
    days, they won't get infected/abcessed (?)  She was still very
    nervous after the visit to the vet, but she started to eat right
    away.  
    
    Now she's back to her old self (almost).  She goes outside, but
    doesn't stay out for too long and doesn't do the acrobatics (chasing
    flies) like she used to.  However, she manages to jump up on the
    kitchen counter and the bed, so she must be feeling better!
    
    I appreciate all the advice.  Being a 'new mom' has it's tense moments
    when you see your baby in pain and don't know what to do!  Well,
    it was a learning experience.
    
    I have a comment sort of off-the-subject:  Does anyone out there
    know of people who think you're crazy to bother with taking a cat
    to the vet in times like these???  Yes, I have a family member who
    thought I lost my marbles when I told her I took Katie to the vet
    after she was in a fight.  This person said, "She's just a CAT,
    she'll be fine...after all, cats have 9 lives!!"  I almost broke
    into tears after hearing that...if she only saw poor Katie the night
    before!!
    
    I know there are folks out there who think cats aren't worth the
    bother..."If it dies, you'll just get another one!"  I know there
    are more cats out there than owners, but I just can't fathom being
    so hard-hearted about ANY animal.
    
    Anyway, everyone is doing fine (Katie as well as her 'mom') and
    I appreciate all the help, folks!
    
    With much thanks...
    				Patty

    I know what you are going through.  When my little Dazdee got 
    attacked by a dog, I really freaked out!!!!!
    
    You better beleive I took the poor little guy to the vet right
    away, even though he *seemed* OK.  You never know what might
    happen.  He turned out to be fine (thank God!), but he
    doesn't venture in a dogs territory anymore.  
    
    Anyone who treats a cats life indifferently (especialy mine) gets
    a swift kick and a lecture from me.  Those people usually don't
    converse about cats with me. 
    
    Katie  (sorry, not the kitty Katie)
    

    
    First of all, "Cats have nine lives" is just a saying!  As far as I'm
    concerned, I feel VERY responsible for my cats, and they are VERY
    important to me, and if somebody thinks I'm weird, let them! After all
    some people treat their cars or other inanimate objects with what I
    would consider obsessiveness so that's their business too! Animals are
    living creatures, and deserve respect for their well-being just like
    people do.  They can't treat themselves like humans can, and can't even
    tell us when or where they are hurting, so I feel I have no choice but
    to take behavior such as you experienced seriously and see a
    Veterinarian!  If something had been wrong, you never would have
    forgiven yourself had you not given her the proper care.  I have yet to
    have a false alarm having taken my cat to the Vet, but I always know
    that it is a real possibility when I make the decision to take action.
    Pets ARE worth it, and I believe that people who don't agree have
    either never owned pets, so don't know the experience of becoming
    attatched to and growing to empathize with an animal, or in my opinion
    don't desrve to have a pet. 
    
    
    I grew up in a "pet family" and my parents always exhibited the utmost
    respect and empathy for animals.  They were part of the family.  We had
    neighbors who kept dogs outside on a leash constantly, or let them
    roam, or left cats out in the rain or snow, ignoring them completely.
    Some even allowed their children to mistreat them.  They must have
    thought we were awfully strange the way we talked to our pets and
    treated them like people.  Nevertheless, our pets were happier, lived
    longer, and never ran away as several of my friends' did. 
    
    So, you just keep caring for your cat the way you do, because she
    deserves it.  She provides you with joy, love, and friendship BECAUSE
    of the way you treat her.  That's the only reward you need.  I feel
    the same way when one of my cats is not feeling well, or not acting
    right (just read note 721!)  I can't concentrate, and I worry because
    I feel so responsible.  I AM resposible for their health because
    they depend on me.   Don't let people who don't understand your
    feelings, for whatever reason, bother you.
    
    I remember when we took our cats in to get checked as new patients at a
    Vet when we moved, and to start them on feline Leukemia vaccinations,
    our bill came close to $100.00.  A friend commented on how outrageous
    he thought that was, and that they were just going to get "run over
    by a car" or die young anyway!  How do you like that!  That's nothing
    compared to what some of us pay just to purchase a pure breed much
    less care for it!  And it's every bit worth it as far as I'm concerned.
    I'd prefer to put my money and emotional energy into something alive
    and loving rather than material things.
    
    
    I wanted to add that perhaps your kitten has soreness in her shoulders
    because she was chased up a tree, and pulled some muscles, or bruised
    herself slightly when she jumped down from too high up.  Just DON'T
    think it was a waste of time and energy to care so much for her
    well being!  Next time she'll be counting on you, again, to use your
    good judgement and take the necessary steps as I'm sure you will.
    
    Amy.                                                    

    I always take my kitties in to see the Vet even if I only suspect 
    they might need it.  After all, they are only HUMAN!  
               
    Marion (An old softie from way back)

    OK, folks.  I've got another question.
    
    This nasty yellow cat (that fought with Katie a few days ago) appeared
    in my yard early (6:00) this morning.  
    
    I heard that awful noise and immediately jolted out of bed (I was
    sound asleep and the noise woke me more than my alarm clock!), opened 
    the window and yelled at the yellow cat and he took off.  
    
    I was worried that Katie might have gotten hurt (again!) but she
    came back in the house a few minutes later like nothing had happened.
    Maybe they just spat at each other and I scared the dastardly yellow
    cat away in time.  Maybe Katie let him (?) know who's territory
    he was invading!
    
    How can I keep this fiesty feline from bothering Katie?  He (I'm
    not even sure of the sex) is the only cat in the neighborhood that comes
    into my yard.   
    
    Anyone have any suggestions?

    When Missy (RIP) was a youngster of 15 or so, she and I had it all
    worked out.  I lived in Loncoln, MA at the time and there were quite
    a number of dogs and cats around.  Missy was never one to avoid
    a fight, though I believe that she would only partake if it was
    in our yard.  She seemed to know if I was home, since a neighbor
    said she never would hear a fight if I wasn't around.  If she was
    getting the worst of it, she'd YYYYOWWWWLLLL as loud as she could.
     I would come out of the house yelling and clapping my hans and
    doing a loud "swishy/hissy" sound (the type that cats seem to hate).
    She would immediately run behind me and the intruder would take
    off.  Then what a welcome I would get from her!  Sort of like "Thank
    you, Mummy!"
    
    In general, however, I don't think there is much you can do other
    than intervene.  If the cats have to sort the situation out, then
    it'll take as long as it takes and require "N" number of fights
    to do so.  There is not much else you can do.
    
    BTW - about fight intervention.  The only way I know of to stop
    a cat fight without getting the worst end of it yourself is to distract
    both cats.  This could be done by, as I mentioned, unexpected noises
    or getting them both wet or throwing something distracting in the
    direction of - and in view of both cats.  Other than that, stay
    out of it.  You'll only make matters worse.         
    
    Hope this helps
    
    Marion          

    Re.: .14
    
    This may be shock to you but I'm sure the yellow cat considers your
    yard "his" territory.  After all he was there before you got Katie,
    although you probably didn't see him, and he considers Katie the
    intruder.  If this is the case, it may be hard to convince him to
    give up "his" turf, particularly since he has won the first round.
    
    Frank
    

    re: .16
    
    Show the intruder a rent receipt and tell him to hit the road! :-D
    
    Seriously, though, I agree.
    
    Marion
    

    re: #16
    
    Thanks for the input, Frank.  I never thought of it that way!
    I'll just have to keep an eye out for this yellow cat and shoo him
    away if any more fights occur.

    
    
    Re. the "territory" issue:  Is Katie neutered?  If she's going into
    heat, you'll never get rid of the yellow cat (or any other unaltered
    male) until she is either pregnant or out of heat.   If you're going
    to let her out, you must spay her eventually; if she's old enough,
    I recommend you do it now.  Otherwise, be ready for lots of vicious howling
    and potential injury to Katie (female cats get HURT during sex.)
    
    In my opinion, the best way out of this situation is not to let
    cats out doors.  They do just fine indoors (especially if you give
    them toys) and it REALLY keeps the vet bill down.
    
    Good Luck.                            
    
    MM

    This is a reply to #19:
    
    Yes, Katie IS FIXED.  She loves to go outside (except for days like
    yesterday when it POURED) and I wouldn't consider changing anything
    at this point. 
    
    All is quiet on the 'kitty front' right now.  Her wound from the
    fight has healed VERY well.  When we took her to the vet, he gave
    her a shot of antibiotic.  He was right -- the wound didn't show
    until several days later.
    
    Thanks to everyone for their advice.  The next time this happens
    (hopefully not!) I'll know what to do.

    When cats go outside, cat fights seem to be unavoidable. Our two
    right know are having a territorial dispute with another neighborhood
    kitty (we don't know where he/she is from yet). Luckily, most of
    the time, it's just sound affects. A pot of cold water is also a
    good distraction, but that does seem to make both cats run, which
    might just move the sight of the fight to someplace else!  Also,
    with our two, one starts the howling and the other seems to act
    as backup. In fact, the other day, when I went out to break it up,
    I clapped and hissed the other kitty out of the yard and when I
    turned my back, it started to charge at me! I didn't realize that
    until our big cat, Rascal, who was sitting up at the top of the
    yard, yowled real loud and ran in between that other cat and me!
    First time I've ever been defended! 
    
    But, NEVER take a cat fight with anything other than complete
    seriousness. Check the cat over completely. If it shows any sign of
    discomfort, get to the vet. My Mom has had two different cats that got
    into fights (many years apart) and she didn't notice either wound (both
    time a puncture wound that abscessed) until by petting the cat, she
    broke the abscess open (very messy and scary as h*ll!). Both cats were
    rushed to the vet, stitched up and given pills and both lived (one
    still doing so) full and contented lives long after. But, they were
    sick for a while and boy do they look ugly when they are shaved
    and stitched (one of the them ended up looking like a football his
    cut/stitching was so long!)

    Also, don't take cat scratches/bites, either on the cat or yourself,
    lightly either. They become infected very easily! Even if it is
    your own cat. And especially if they are outsider/or part-time
    outsiders! Always was the bite/scratch and put antiseptic on it.
    (Our vet said that hydrogen perioxide, slightly diluted is good on
    a surface cut)

    Also, don't try to come between two fighting cats. You might end up
    being the target. In fact, if you're cat is fighting and you do
    get them separated, you're cat might not appreciate being "helped".
    After defending me in the fight mentioned earlier, I brought Rascal
    into the house and received a nice set of teethmarks for my effort.

    (flame on)
    And, for anyone who says it's "just a cat" or "they have nine lives",
    I have only harsh words and plagues to wish on them! These little
    fur-faces give us sooooo much love and don't ask for much (except
    at meal time :-) )that if someone isn't going to return that love
    with good care, then they shouldn't have an animal to begin with.
    They aren't worthy of having an animal....
    (flame off - sorry, but it makes my hair burn when someone starts
    giving me those lines)
    
    janet b.
      (owned by two lovable, though ornery at times, fur-faces!)
    
    

    I have a question.  We recently moved to my ma's house and now we
    let our cats out.  They are both females and both fixed.  My question
    is why are the toms of the neighborhood coming around and fighting
    with our cats?  My cats are in our yard just sort of hanging around
    and the toms come over (they are friendly to me and I have checked
    them out so I know they are toms) and want to fight with both cats.
    Could it be they think that my cats are in their territory?  My
    mother has a dog which chases these toms out of the yard (the dog
    doesn't touch my cats - I guess she knows they belong there), so
    I can't imagine the toms think this is there terrritory because
    they aren't in the yard long enough.  
    
    Also, how do I keep these toms out of the yard.  I think I am going
    to by a squirt bottle and put some water in it to have on hand in
    case a fight occurs, but my cats get scared of that too and I am
    afraid they will run off thinking I mean to get them, too.  What
    a dilema - but I must say my cats LOVE it outside (they only go
    out during the day) and I wouldn't take that away from them.
    
    anna
    

    There is cat territory and non-cat territory.  Just because there
    is a dog in the yard and therefore the "forign" cats don't spend
    much of their free time hanging around the house, that doesn't mean
    they don't consider it part of their cat domain.  It could be that
    the house is smack dab in the middle of what they feel is their
    territory.  Since there was never another cat there, they may have
    felt that it was theirs.
    
    Marion