| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 823.1 | THEY COULD END UP BEING THE BEST OF FRIENDS | HPSVAX::DERUSSO | | Mon Oct 12 1987 10:55 | 28 |
|
What you are doing now is the correct thing, especially in light
of the fact that the baby has such a terrible upper respiratory
infection -- which could be anything from coronavirus, the FELV
to FIP -- only the vet will be able to tell -- I'm sure he'll
take the appropriate blood tests.
In time, and from my past experience, this could be anywhere from
a couple of weeks to a few months, Figaro will probably come around.
The best thing to do right now is leave Figaro alone -- she's bent
out of shape because of the new baby, and also probably a bit scared
of it. Her ego is a bit deflated, and it will have to be Figaro
who takes the first step to investigate the youngster. But, you
can thank your lucky stars she isn't in an investigative mood now
-- especially with this sick baby on hand. The most important
thing to remember is to absolutely keep them separate until you
have results from the blood tests your vet will take. With such
a young sick kitten, time is of the essence, in getting it sound
medical attention.
Be happy, for now, that Figaro doesn't want to have any part of
the newcomer, and she will come around to you, just give her time.
Diane
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| 823.2 | | BUFFER::FUSCI | DEC has it (on backorder) NOW! | Mon Oct 12 1987 13:34 | 5 |
| I completely agree with .1. I suspect it's rhinotracheitis. Sure hope
your other cat has been vaccinated.
Hoping for the best,
Ray
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| 823.3 | | CIRCUS::KOLLING | Karen, Sweetie, Holly; Palo Alto CA | Mon Oct 12 1987 14:55 | 4 |
| If it is rhino, my vet says that cats that get medical attention
always get over it (it took my Holly three weeks to beat it when
I adopted her), so hang in there even if it looks grim.
|
| 823.4 | Kitten update | USMRW2::JTRAVERS | Jeanne Travers | Mon Oct 12 1987 14:57 | 34 |
| Noters,
It's only been half a day since I entered the original note - thanks
for the replies. Here's an update. John (Hubby) brought the kitten to
the vet's this morning. (Our vet is GREAT, his office was closed
today for the holiday, but he happened to be there tending to the
animals and answered the phone - he had John bring the kitten in
right away).
The kitten does have an eye infection and we've got ointment to rub in
his eyes and he's now on liquid antibiotics. He has ringworm, and of
course, fleas. Dr. Goddard suspects that he's 6-8 weeks old and in
pretty good shape, considering that he's been outdoors with such a
problem. Dr. didn't do any blood work yet, but we'll be bringing him
back in for a regular physical in two weeks. Until we know how healthy he
really is we will definitely keep him away from Figaro. (Which
shouldn't be a problem considering Figaro's current mood).
I'm familiar with FelV, but don't know too much about FIP or even what
rhinotracheitis might be. What are they? How close do the cats have
to get to contract it? Figaro has had all the shots that I've ever
been told she needed - can I assume she's been vaccinated for
rhinotracheitis?
Thanks, noters, for your support. Will keep you updated on his
progress (and will let you know when we've decided what to call
him).
^_^
(>.<)
) ( Jeannie
|
| 823.5 | | CIRCUS::KOLLING | Karen, Sweetie, Holly; Palo Alto CA | Mon Oct 12 1987 15:47 | 14 |
| Your vet should be able to tell you from his records whether or
not Figaro has had the vaccination(s?) against respiratory stuff.
I'm a little surprised he didn't discuss the possibility of Figaro
catching it. Perhaps that is either good news: it's not a problem,
it's not rhino, Fig has had the vaccinations, etc. or bad news:
the vet doesn't know you have another cat at home, or he wasn't
thinking.
Anyway, to repeat myself, my Holly looked dreadful with it -- stuff
just pouring from her eyes, nose and mouth -- but the vet said hang
in there, and she did make it. Dehydration is a problem, so it's
very good that the kitten is drinking. Keep an eye out to make
sure that continues.
|
| 823.6 | Sue Wright - old meets new | RHETT::WRIGHT | | Mon Oct 12 1987 15:51 | 17 |
| We just got a new kitten 5 weeks ago. We wanted to give Tucker
(5 year old male, neutered, declawed) some company as my husband
and I are building a new home and travel a lot and he seemed to
get so lonely. Anyway, we got Sadie, a 5 week old female (the least
threatening possible). Sadie of course wanted to play but Tucker
just hissed and growled. We knew this might never work out but
gave it a try anyway. We gave it 6 weeks. It has now been five
weeks and they are doing great. We made sure to pet Tucker first
when we came home, always fed Tucker (a tiny,tiny bit) moist food
at the same time we fed Sadie and didn't let Sadie get onto (into)
anything that was "Tucker's." They still have their moments when
Sadie's sharp claws invite a strong swat from Tucker and Tucker
still isn't as warm as he was before, but we can tell it will work.
I guess it's just like children, you have to overcompensate with
affection on the oldtimer. Patience & TLC!
|
| 823.7 | contagious | VAXWRK::DUDLEY | | Mon Oct 12 1987 16:32 | 7 |
| re. RINGWORM
Ringworm 'can' be contagious to humans, and 'is' contagious
between cats, so be sure to wash your hands well after handling
the kitty.
-Donna
|
| 823.8 | .6 makes a good point | VAXWRK::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon Oct 12 1987 16:55 | 14 |
| RE: .6
That is a very good point about directing attention to the
older one first. Since the time that I got Gus & Pip I always made
a point of giving them a bug hug immediatly upon getting home. I
continued doing this after getting getting the twins and Alex. I
started noticing that while Pip got along with the other cats, she
started acting like she was depressed, probably feeling neglected.
So, now when I come in, I make a point of selecting Pip *first* and
last for a big hug (and a few times in between). I make a big fuss
over her every oportunity that I get, ans I don't recall seeing
her depressed since then.
Deb
|
| 823.9 | Another update | USMRW2::JTRAVERS | Jeanne Travers | Tue Oct 13 1987 11:38 | 27 |
| Noters,
An update on kitty. He's doing marvelously! His eyes are clear
and have stopped running. His congestion is breaking up (you can
hear it when he purrs). He's eating like a champ, and he's full
of vinegar! Running around, jumping on and into everything. He's
going to be just fine, and he's a real cutey!
We've decided to name him: Mercedes. (We now have a 1987 model
grey Mercedes - Ha! As close as we'll ever get to the real thing!)
Figaro hasn't seen him since he arrived on Sunday. We don't let
them occupy the same space at the same time. When Figaro is in
our living space, Mercedes is confined to the bathroom with his
blanket, food and litter box (which he is mastering wonderfully!)
Fig is still stalking around the house - she smells him but can't
find the source. She's coming around though, she snuggled up with
us last night (took over her usual 3/4 of the bed) and was her usual
self this morning, following me around the house. We'll still have
to deal with a real introduction, but not for at least two weeks
when Mercedes gets a full examination and a clean bill of health.
^_^
(>.<)
) ( Jeannie
|
| 823.10 | Congratulations! | MEMV01::BULLOCK | Flamenco--NOT flamingo!! | Tue Oct 13 1987 16:38 | 17 |
| Congratulations on getting your new kitty better!! Your Fig just
may be reacting to the sickness as well as the newcomer--cats are
quick to sniff out illness. Hope the tests from the vet's come
out well, and that you can do your intros then.
Since you already have one opera persona (Figaro), I was going to
suggest "Don Giovanni" for the new one....! :-)
About giving your oldest more affection just now,
that's a good idea. Probably poor Mercedes is so glad
to be feeling well again and in a good home wiht
lots of love that he won't notice!
Best of luck,
Jane
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| 823.11 | Good Luck | RATTLE::LANDRY | | Tue Oct 13 1987 17:28 | 21 |
| Glad to hear about your new addition. When my husband and I decided
to get a playmate for Zildjian, we got Spunky. Now Zildjian had
been with us for 2 years - alone- and had all the attention - we
really spoiled her. At first, I thought getting Spunky was a mistake.
Zildjian *hated* her. But, like previous noters said, we greeted
Zildjian first, made sure Spunky didn't play or get into things
that were Zildjian's (like my side of the bed) and we fed them
separtely (for awhile). They still aren't the best of friends,
but they get along. Spunky is always the one to back off (I sometimes
feel sorry for her) and is pretty much independent.
But I will tell you one thing - it took only 3 weeks to get attached
to Spunky, and I made up my mind that a cat (even tho I LOVE her
like my own child and treat her just like my own child) that Zildjian
was not going to run my life. Now they live happily ever after
and we love them both.
Good Luck!
anna
|
| 823.12 | Who'll win - them or me? | USMRW2::JTRAVERS | Jeanne Travers | Wed Nov 04 1987 10:30 | 35 |
| Noters,
Well, last week Mercedes was tested negative for Felv - so we've started
letting Figaro and Mercedes share the same space - you all say that
I'll survive this, right? Figaro *hates* him. Each day I hope
that I'll begin to see some positive change in her attitude toward
Mercedes. No chance! She is scared to death of him. Mercedes
will come near and Figaro just freaks out and darts out of the room.
All that Figaro does is hiss (boy is she spooky when she's mad)
and moan and groan. She's taken up residence on top of the
refrigerator, just peering down. She's even fallen asleep up there
and it breaks my heart. Mercedes is oblivious to the whole thing.
Figaro hisses, it's Mercedes cue to chase her around the house.
And Figaro won't stand up for what is hers. We can't be around
all day to watch what's going on, but we come home and Mercedes
stretches and gets up out of Figaro's favorite spot, would rather
use Figaro's litterbox than his own, etc.
It's very difficult for me because Figaro has always been our "baby"
she has always been lovable and affectionate and a great companion.
I try to give her more attention, greet her first, feed her first,
etc. Figaro always sleeps with us. We tried adding Mercedes and
nobody gets any sleep - so Mercedes goes downstairs. Once he's
gone, Figaro climbs into bed, purring and cuddling...
I guess what I'm trying to say is I don't want to cause Figaro any
more stress than is absolutely necessary and I'd appreciate any
info on experiences that you've had - what worked - what didn't
work - what you'd do next time...
^_^
(>.<)
) ( Jeannie
|
| 823.13 | Don't lose courage! | HLIS07::VISSERS | N..N..NOTorious! | Wed Nov 04 1987 13:22 | 35 |
| Seems you're in for a lot of patience. I can imagine Figaro is not
at all pleased to share her comfortable position. There's not much
more you can do than to wait for her to accept the new situation.
Little Chanel is bullying poor old Omar from the first day she joined
us. Omar is to easygoing to put up a fight about who should lay
beside me or who should eat first, or who should have the toy (if
Omar finds an interesting toy, next thing he knows is Chanel has
snatched it. She will growl at him if he only makes the slightest
move to get it back). Still, they are the best of friends, sleeping
together, washing each other *and* Omar is *much* stronger as Chanel
so he doesn't have to give in when he really doesn't want to.
Remember, a cat is less scrupulous as a human. They'll get along,
eventually. Hissing and growling seem to be part of the process,
after all they have to establish who's the boss. If Figaro really
hates Mercedes, she'll try to kill him. She hasn't made a move to
do that yet, as I understand, so she probably won't do it at all.
As far as I know, womens lib hasn't penetrated all the way to cats,
and the male should still be the boss. She knows he is male, together
with the fact that she's obviously very content with her unique
situation so far, and he is obviously not as strong as she is. That
may be a dilemma, and you'll have to allow them time to sort it
out. If there's no improvement at all, you may have to reconsider,
but I'd say it's to early yet to tell.
There are a lot of tricks in this notesfile, to get cats used to
each other. What I think is very good is to try to cuddle them both
at the same time, telling them how sweet they both are, feed them
both and so on to make them associate 'being together'='having fun'.
Hope this is of any help, please keep us posted!
Ad
|
| 823.14 | | SALES::RFI86 | | Thu Nov 05 1987 12:33 | 7 |
| Don't do anything for at least a month. When bringing new cat into
a household where there are already cat(s) it can take up to six
weeks for them to start to get along. Generally though it is about
3 weeks and by 6 weeks they are old friends. So just be patient
and everything will be fine.
Geoff
|
| 823.15 | Leave them alone, and they'll.... | SQM::MURPHY | Is it Friday yet? | Thu Nov 05 1987 13:02 | 6 |
| I agree with .14. Just let them get acquainted on their own and
re-establish the "pecking order" in the household. I've done this
in the past and the 3 cats I have now get along fine. Went home
for lunch today and found all 3 sleeping together on the livingroom
couch. :-)
|
| 823.16 | They'll do fine... | BAGELS::ALLEN | | Fri Nov 06 1987 08:07 | 21 |
|
I agree! Just allow them to go through their own adjustment period.
I thought Sebastion was nuts when we brought a new kitten into the
house for him. He's a 15 pounder, and hissed and ran away from
a little kitten! Cats can be pretty nutty. But I concentrated
on showing him extra attention -after all, he was there first, and
he needed the reassurance. Claude was oblivious to the problem.
She looked at him like he was off his rocker for hissing.
I worried about Sebastion seriously hurting or even killing Claude,
(she was mouse size to him!) But he never even scratched her. I
wouldn't worry about that. I seriously doubt cats would kill for
reasons other than for food. I've never heard of instances when cats
in the same household seriously harm each other to the point of
near-death. They may scratch or bite, but they seem to sense that if
the newcomer is accepted by you, that it's okay and they'll have to
make friends eventually. (Besides, they can be fun to play with!)
Amy.
|
| 823.17 | kitty update | USMRW2::JTRAVERS | Jeanne Travers | Wed Jan 06 1988 16:26 | 27 |
| Well, it's been three months now, so here's a progress report...
Figaro 'tolerates' Mercedes presence. As long as he doesn't come
within range (striking range, that is), she seems comfortable.
Unfortunately, Mercedes only ambition in life right now is to drive
Figaro nuts. We think we mis-named him - it should have been Wacko.
However! Last night they BOTH slept on the bed with us! Probably
because Mercedes was tired and didn't jump all over us. Of course,
they both had to sleep with me, one on my side the other between my
legs, so I was trapped!
We continue to give Figaro love and attention first (Mercedes could
care less). Figaro does pay attention, though - if she thinks he's
getting something that she doesn't have she lets us know it - what
a glare!
We still look forward to the day when we come into a room and find
them snuggled up together - but we aren't holding our breath.
^_^
(>.<)
) ( Jeannie
|
| 823.18 | It just takes time. | DISSRV::HTAYLOR | Your CHOCOLATE or your LIFE!! | Thu Jan 07 1988 09:01 | 9 |
| I had the same trouble when Tabbatha met silver. Silver would hiss
and lash our at Tabbatha anytime she walked by. They seem to be
getting along much better now, though. Every once in a while they'll
get into a play fight and last night Tabbatha was sleeping in the
hammock and Silver was sleeping in the Kitty tent. Silver came
out of the kitty tent and saw Tabbatha. She walked over and layed
right on top of Tabbatha! I couldn't believe it!!!
Holly
|
| 823.19 | A Footnote to this note | FRICK::TRAVERS | | Tue Feb 07 1989 12:41 | 18 |
| Just thought I'd add a footnote to this note that I started in October
87. Mercedes is now about 1 1/2 years old and weighs *18* pounds!
He's a moose! He's calmed down quite a bit over the last 6 months
and has become a very affectionate and well-behaved kitty. Figaro
will never be close to him. She "tolerates" him at best. Once
in a while Mercedes takes it upon himself to drive her crazy, but
usually he just lets her have her space.
As it turns out we are very glad that we kept Mercedes, even if
Figaro isn't thrilled - we now have a 6 month old child and Figaro's
nose was so bent out of shape with Mercedes' arrival that introducing
Kate was a breeze! She had no hurt feelings or behavior problems
when we brought Kate home.
^_^
(>.<)
) ( Jeannie
|