Conference misery::feline_v1

    Linda -
      Contact Kim Trainque at MR4DEC::KTRAINQUE.  She is working with 
    Priscilla who took over Pat Brody's shelter.  Also contact Lenora 
    Palmer who works with Framingham Humane at DLNVAX::PALMER.  
    
    And send me mail and I'll look up Joan Abbott's number from 
    Kitty Angels (I'm at home and the number is at work) for you.
    Surely one of them has the cat you need.  I believe Joan is
    in Tyngsboro.
    
    
    

    Was at the Boxboro show on saturday and one of the Cat adoption
    agency's was there, and they had the MOST wonderful looking
    cats. The two that caught my eye was the long haired all black
    one and the all white short haired one. Boy, would they have made 
    a great addition to someone's household.
    
    Barbara & her 3M's

    A new note has a declawed cat up for adoption.
    

    All but one cat was adopted from the Boxboro show.  :^)

    Hi there,
    
    I've just joined this conference......so can I show my ignorance!!! 
    Does a "declawed" cat really mean what it says, ie they have no
    claws?!!
    
    If it does, I wasn't aware that there were such creatures.  How
    strange!
    
    Thanks.
    
    Sheila
    

    check out note 4548 for a spayed declawed female that is available for
    adoption.
    
    Jo

    
    	re: .5
    
    	It isn't a natural occurence.  It's an operations that's done
    	to remove the front claws.
    
    	
    
    	on a different note (for lack of a better place to put it)
    	Cary and I must be totally off our rockers.  We put a sofa
    	on layaway this weekend because the cats have mangled the 
    	one we have.  The new one is of a smooth material so 
    	hopefully (ha) the cats won't find it worth clawing.  But
    	that's not the funny part....the new sofa is black!  and
    	multicolored.  But considering we have a white himmie, 
    	a lynx point siamese, a mutt with a white belly and another
    	with brown and black fur....a black sofa was not an intelligent
    	choice!  But we loved it so we had to have it....
    
    	JJ
    

    Thanks for the pointers and replys both in mail (NDC) and notes.
    
    The cat in note 4548 (Trouble) sounds like she needs to be in a
    setting where there are no other cats.  As mentioned in my base
    note I already have two cats.  Also, nobody is home all day.
    
    I contacted the Greater Derry Humane Society, who gave me a list
    of shelters and other organizations who deal with placing animals.
    I called all of them and left my name.  I also check out the free
    listings in the local paper ( Union Leader ).  If you would like
    I'll post the names and phone numbers of the organizations.
    
    I had my two existing cats when I met my husband, and he just tolerated
    them at first.  It's taken 10 years for him to develop a liking
    to them, but he won't readily admit to it (but I have caught him
    talking to them, and letting them sit on his lap!).   Just recently 
    he agreed to let another come into the house.  If he was not here I'd 
    probably have 10 or more.....
    
    My existing cats are both siamese, and will be introduced in the
    proper note soon....I would like to get another siamese because
    of their unique personalities, but at this point I don't care
    what breed of cat I get.
    
    I will send mail to Kim Trainque, and see if any of Pat Brody's
    cats fit my situation.  I'll also contact Lenora Palmer.
    
    Thank you for your help.
    
    	Linda
    
       

    Yes, Trouble definitely needs to be in an only cat home.  I have three
    other cats and she has not gotten along with any of them.  Now I am
    also expecting our first child, so I expect that's what has put the
    situation kinda "out of control".  For anyone interested, I will put
    more details in a reply to to 4548.  
    
    Bernice

Check out the new entry in the adoption topic.  The former Pat Brody shelter 
has two declawed/altered cats available for adoption.  The former owner had 
wanted the two to go as a pair.  Even if you aren't looking for two, please 
check them out. :^)

Jo

    If you can't get a hold of Kim...(kim are you out there...) please
    call Priscilla at 508-582-4539.   I was up there this weekend and
    I know they have some beautiful cats that were declawed.
    
    As a matter of fact...my aunt just adopted a beautiful part persian
    female grey cat named "whiska's".   What a sweetheart this cat
    is???  I believe her sister is still up there...but I'm not
    sure she is declawed.  Whiskas was declawed!
    
    I could even help with the delivery if need be!!!
    
    Sandy

    I want to thank everyone who has responded, sent mail, etc....I
    did get in touch with Priscilla, and she put me in touch with a
    woman in Leominster, Debbie,  who had 2 siamese cats 16 years old 
    who needed a home...and my household has gone from my 2 cats 
    (ages 11 & 12) to 4...that makes 4 cats from age 11 to 16 in one
    house! 
    
    So far everything is going as can be expected...the new arrivals
    are exploring, and my two are dealing with it in different ways..
    pretended disinterest and total resentment and anger!
    
    (maybe I should start a geriatric home for siamese cats? ;*))))    

        
This is a long note, so be forwarned....
        
    Now, if you remember from my base note my husband had agreed to
    only ONE more cat.   But this pair seemed Fated for me because
    If you had pressed me I would have said I really wanted another
    siamese.  
    
    Anyway, after talking to the owner of the cats, who was heartbroken
    about having to give them up (she had had them since kittens)......
    I tracked my husband down and 'begged' him (for the first time in
    my life) to let me take the pair....he consented without a wimper
    (I think my daughter had already talked him into it!)
    
    So after more phone conversations with the owner, and commitment
    on both ends, I jump in my car at 3:pm and drive to Leominster.
    
    I meet the owner, Debbie and her son,Mike, and we talk quite a bit
    while Bobo, the male, is with us and we all get to know each other.  
    Bobo actually gave me a 'nip', which is his way of letting you know 
    that he likes the affection/attention...Bimbo, the female, is curled 
    up on the couch in the other room not paying attention to anything...
    her personality is the typical siamese aloofness...
    
    I had brought along pictures of my two cats Nikki and Girl, and
    Mike thought it was neat that my Nikki looked just like Bobo and
    Bimbo...
    
    After a bit, we start to deal with the actual transition of their
    'stuff' to my car... The basket they sometimes sleep in, litter box, food,
    etc...That's not too hard.
    
    The hard part for me and their owners was the process of saying
    goodbye.   Debbie and I ask her son if he would like pictures, and
    we took pictures with myself and the cats, Mike and the cats, Debbie,
    Mike and the cats, Mike and me and the cats..  After all this Debbie
    picked up the two of them and brings them out to the kitchen to
    say her goodbyes in private...
    
    We then packed them gently into the box with some familiar clothes
    and put them in the car...Debbie and I hugged and I tried to reassure
    her that I would love them as much as she has.  I felt quite teary
    watching her and her son waving goodbye to us...
    
    On the way from their old house in Leominster to Derry, NH, Bobo
    and Bimbo were quite quiet...I expected the howls and cries that
    mine usually subject me to when we get in the car....But they seemed
    to sense that something unusual was up and instead of getting all
    upset just curled up with each other  and napped...I talked to them
    most of the ride back, and once in a while would put my hand in
    the box to stroke them.
    
    When we finally get to my house, I bring them into the living room
    in the box, and of course Girl and Nikki come running to see what
    Mom has brought home....Boy, were they surprised...Bo and Bim were
    kinda surprised also, but they held their own and hissed right back...
    
    As I mentioned at the beginning,  the reactions of my two have been
    interesting...Nikki the male is doing well.  He's not pals yet but
    I feel he may get there.
    
    Girl on the other hand is very resentful, angry and totally off
    the wall.  Since the new arrivals look like Nikki, from a distance
    she can't tell who's who and is hissing at everyone....She will
    not let me hold her (she's my baby, who would let me wrap her around
    my neck)...Now, when I get near her, she hisses and growls at me,
    will let me stroke her but the whole time is very vocal in telling
    me how she feels....

    Bo is starting to become used to my daughter and I, and has actually
    purred just a little, given head buts, and generally accepted
    affection. Bim is still being aloof - she will accept some affection
    but lets you know when she's had enough...nicely, of course..
    
    All the cats were downstairs last night without supervision, and
    there did not appear to be any physical confrontations...My daughter
    is with them today, and so far nothing is changed....

    I did realize that introducing new animals into my house would
    affect my existing cats, so I hope I don't sound like I'm totally
    shocked or surprised, because I'm not......BUT - >
         
    I'm really worried about Girl.  She was high strung and neurotic
    the first few years I had her,  but had calmed down.  Now, it seems that
    introducing these new cats into the house has really thrown her
    off, and back to some old behavior but worse!
    
    Other than showing Girl lots of love, and being patient with her, 
    does anyone - if anyone read this far! - have any suggestions on how  
    to make this transition easier for her?

    
    Thanks for listening,
    thanks for the network of caring people...
	
   	Linda
    

    Linda...I did read the whole note with tears streaming down
    my face.  I'm not sure if the tears were for your new happiness
    or reading about the original owners goodby.   She must find
    some confort in knowing her babies are going to your home.
    
    About introductions...I do not have too much knowledge because
    it seems my guys are so use to Mom bringing home someone new
    they just look and say "oh no not another one".   Just make
    sure you give "girl" alot of attention and love.  Hopefully
    it will all work out for you.
    
    Congrats on your new addition....you might want to send Debbie
    and her son a cute little cat thank you note from her babies!!
    I'm sure she would appreciate it!   
    
    Sandy (Tamba, Poco, Barkley, Anges, Chloe, Dewey, and Abby
                 oh yea...and Van Gogh and JC...the outside strays)

    Congratulations!  What a wonderful story. 
    
    It sounds like you're doing all the right things with the
    introductions, etc.  I think in Girl's case it may take more time for
    her to accept the new additions to your home and your continued
    patience and extra attention you give her will definitely help.  She
    just needs this reassurance she's not being replaced.  You said she's
    your "baby" so it may be a little jealousy right now too.
    
    My "Thai" who is part Siamese but looks almost purebred has the same
    attachment to me; I belong to him and he is willing to share my
    affections with the other 5 felines but he makes it clear he is #1.  He
    likes to ride on my shoulders too.  However, Thai is and has been my
    most affectionate cat and the first to accept any new additions into my
    home.
    
    What a bonus to have 4 of these beauties.  Think of all the
    conversations you'll have.  You can hold your own meetings at home and
    without having to book a conference room. ;-)
    
    Pat, Holly, Thai, Jamie, D.P., Buffy, Midnight (& Cookie)
    

    I'm sure everything will work out once Girl realizes from the 
    extra cuddles and so on that she is still loved.  The lack of actual
    mayhem is a good sign.
    

    Thanks for the reassurances....I'm taking the rest of the week off,
    and I'm going to do my best to let Girl know that she is still loved
    just as much, and that her place in my heart is not lost because
    of a the new additions to the house...
    
    Hug therapy for Girl, coming up!
    
    Linda, Sandy, Girl, Nikki, Bo & Bimber

    
    (ps...Sandy reports that Bo is the more adventurous one, and
          is walking around a little higher (not crouching so much)...
    	  of course Bonkers always get's everybody's attention!)
    

    I was bawling while I read your message too!! You're so kind to take
    both these babies in when you were only looking for one. I read your
    whole note alloud to my SO, & we were both really moved by your whole
    story!!
    
    Taking the rest of the week is the best thing you could do, IMO. Girl
    deserves to have mom around when she's feeling invaded.
    
    It must be such a comfort to spend your golden years being loved so
    much!! These are some lucky furfaces!!
    
    good luck w/ the gang......
    
    Bonnie (Tabitha & Callie) 
    
    PS: After Callie starts getting older, I want to get another one. Dave
    sez "NO!", But all I have to do is take him to a shelter & say, "LOOK,
    HONEY!!" & he's hooked!!! ;*)
    
    Bonnie

    What a good idea about taking time off.  Don't be surprised
    if it takes quite a bit longer for Girl to settle down, though.
    (I still remember the look on Sweetie's face when I brought
    Holly home -- he thought he was on his way out the door -- it was
    really heartbreaking.  Lots of cuddles corrected this impression.)
    On the other hand, when I brought Little Bit into the house, Sweetie
    just said "What!  Another one!) :-)
                              

caution:

Girl may work very hard to convince you to "take these intruders away"....and
the more you cater to her, the more she will be convinced that you WILL
eventually give in to her.

Be as loving as ever, BUT don't make a big fuss over the resistant cat...it
is a message that the behavior is working.  Get a big spray bottle of water
and if she starts hissing, spray her.  She will run out of the room.  After
approx. 10 minutes, find her and pet and talk to her.  Repeat this behavior
modification as often as need be.  She will get the message that you still
love her, BUT that the hostile behavior to the new cats will not be tolerated.
Once she believes that you aren't disposing of the new cats, she will settle in.

However, be prepared for it to take a long time for the cats to be totally
accepted...about as long as it takes for your original cats to "forget"
they used to be "only" cats.  This time can vary depending on the cat's
personality, the weather, your attitude, etc.  Be prepared to ride it out.

    I somewhat disagree with .19.  I think it's important to do the
    following things:
    
    Reassure the "original" cats that they are loved.
    Make it clear to them (and the newcomers if need be)
        that they have to live together.
    Don't reward agressive behavior.
    
    I do this by:
    
    Lots of cuddles to the original cats, somewhat less to the newcomers,
    equallying out once everyone eventually accepts the situation.
    
    Do NOT cuddle an agressive cat to the exclusion of a "victim", but
    rather than using a squirt bottle, etc. I cuddle both of them at
    the same time.  This keeps them in range of each other in a relaxing
    aituation and gets them used to the idea that they both have
    permanent places in the home.  I should probably make it clear  
    that by cuddle in this situation I mean I rub under their chins, etc.
    when they're about arm's length apart;  they'd no doubt go thru the
    roof if I tried to have both in my arms at the same time.
    
    If someone is being really BAD, I fall back on .19's scold,
    shortly thereafter reassure.  I never have to use a squirt bottle;  my
    guys know what NO means.
    

    i don't know if i would have had the strength to part with two babies i
    had had for 16 years!  these are lucky cats for you to take them both,
    so they could stay together.  good luck with all of them.
    
    diane, stella & stanley
    

    I don't know if I could have done it either...
    
    Here's an update on the Watson Geriatric Home for Siamese Cats (!)
    
    All of the cats can now actually touch fur without having hissy
    fits.  This tuesday made a full week that they've been with me,
    so the adjustment hasn't taken long at all.
    
    Girl is back to normal (for her) and is talking to me again.  Nikki
    accepted the newcomers with little problem at all.  He was always
    the more laid back of the two anyway.  
    
    The newcomers original names were Bobo and Bimbo, but we've modified
    them to Bo and Bimber.  I took them both to the Vet last friday
    for a checkup and shots (they had not had either for quite a few
    years).  The Vet said they were in amazingly good health for their
    years.  He picked a piece of tartar off one of Bo's teeth that was
    larger than the tooth!  The Vet said in all his years he'd never
    seen a piece of tartar that large!...Didn't seem to effect Bo!
    Bo seems to have some kind of problem with the 'shutters' in his
    larynx - they are stiff and he wheezes and coughs sometimes.  It's
    quite distressing to hear him when he's doing this.  The Vet said
    that it's nothing to get worried about.  The previous owner told
    me that he's done this all his life....
    
    They were also very well behaved in the car!  I held Bo in my arms 
    on the way home while Bimber slept in a box on the back seat while 
    my 16 year old drove the car.  

    Bo and Bimber have claimed the downstairs as their territory, and
    prefer to stay down there.  They will climb all over us when we
    go down and sit, and will purr and then go to sleep on us.  They
    have come upstairs and investigated a little bit, but it still is
    strange for them.. We're trying little by little to get them
    comfortable with being upstairs...Bimber is the braver one, and
    appears upstairs the most.  
    
    I think they have a touch of arthritis in their hips, cause they
    kind of waddle their hips instead of just swinging their legs, and
    going up and down stairs is done slowly...
    
    I'm pleased with these guys, they seem to like us, and all is going
    better than I ever expected.  Girl and Nikki have adjusted to the
    newcomers, and it's weird to see 3 cats that all look the same walking
    around - you're not sure who's who. But I love it!
    
    And the best side effect has been that my husband, who never really
    liked cats, has developed a definite affection for Bo, who has
    developed a mutual affection for Chuck..Bo climbes all over Chuck
    when he goes downstairs to sit for a while....Bimber does too!
    
    Will wonders never cease?
    
    	Linda

    And your an angel for taking in these two old timers!!!  Has
    the original owner called you??????  Watson's Geriatric Home...I
    love it!!! 
    
    Sandy

    You've done such a wonderful thing - I have a friend who has adopted
    nothing but older cats in the last 8-9 years - and I've begun to think
    of doing this myself some time down the line.  I see so many up for
    adoption - the kittens are always the first to go but the older ones
    seem to be left behind.  Bless you.
    
    Giudi +3

it takes a special heart to open your life to these gentle oldsters...we hope
you have the pleasure of their company and they yours for many years to come...

	D and Hannah, Samson, The Flash, and Nicholas

    All my three cats were grown when I got them. Mocha came as a 1 year
    old stray, Ming was a retired Himmie queen, she was 7 years old and
    Mr. Miyagi was 6 years old when we adopted him. Granted not any of
    these were as old as the two siamese but Mr. Miyagi was going to be
    put to sleep if we hadn't adopted him because of allergies in the 
    house. I have never regreted making a home and giving my love to
    these three cats.  I hope to see them live long and healthy lives with
    us. 
    
    Barbara

    Thought I'd let everyone know how things are going.....
    
    On the date of my last note, my husband was in a car accident. 
    He broke his leg, and fractured 2 ribs and his collarbone.  2 weeks
    after the accident he succumbed to heart & kidney failure and died.   
    Unknown to us, he had re-developed heart disease in his transplanted 
    heart (that he had received 5 years before.....)
                            
    So, that is why I have not entered any updates to this string....but
    as I am now starting to take more interest in things around me,
    and gain more energy for things other than just getting to work,
    trying to work and then taking care of my house-daughter-cats-etc...
    
    Again, this response is long (as usual I ramble on and on and on and on........
    -------
    
    Girl gets along the best with Bo and Bimbo now, to where they all
    sleep together, and groom each other too.
    
    Nikki is the jerk!
    
    He does not like Bo, and will lash out every now and then and smack
    him as he walks by.  Don't know why, as Bo does not do anything
    to Nikki...But he knows better than to mess with Bim, as she stands
    her ground and just gives him a look as if to say "So what's your
    point?"
    
    Sometime in the summer I noticed from a distance that Bim's face looked
    strange, but I was in and out of the house and didn't get a close
    look at her.  The next day I actually called her over to me, and
    was surprised to find that her face was swollen, and she couldn't
    even see out of one eye.  I found that one of her fangs were broken.
    An emergency call to the vet (on a sunday) got me in, and when he
    looked at her he said he'd have to pull it, and that cat's teeth
    can sometimes be stubborn, either not completely come out or not
    drain properly once pulled.  This was shortly after my husband had
    died and I did not have a good idea of my short term financial
    situation.  I asked that he do it as cheaply as possible without
    compromising her health.  
    
    Well, lucky for all of us her tooth came out fine, drained fine
    and I took her home once she started 'peddling'.  Because she could
    not walk, I carried her around for about 4 hours until the anesthesia
    wore off and she could walk...ever since then we have been best
    buddies.  Her personality has changed very much - she is so social
    now, follows me into the bathroom and asks to sit on my lap.  She
    She talks to me alot, and likes to say Hello by getting right in
    your face and sniffing at you (could she be getting blind?) She
    is getting slightly tubby around the middle, and looks so cute waddling
    around the house....
    
    Bo is the one I worry about.  His weezing seems to me to be more
    like asthma attacks.  It appears to be happening more frequently,
    and I should probably take him to the Vet for it soon.  
    
    He spends most of his day sleeping in Chuck's recliner, which he
    decided to own after Chuck died (seemed a little strange, but I
    believe that he knew Chuck was gone and felt closer to him by taking 
    over his chair)....He also started peeing on the carpeting
    downstairs.  I tried keeping the litterbox cleaner, added another 
    box, gave him more attention, etc.  Nothing worked.  I cut away the 
    carpet that he had peed on (i'm getting rid of it anyway) and he peed 
    the next day 1' away from where I cut.  So, I blocked off that part of 
    the downstairs and he has not peed anywhere else that I know of
    ....and I have wall to wall upstairs too...hmmmmmm...
    
    I have to admit that I love all of them dearly, and don't regret
    taking the two of them.  But I'm not sure I'd do it again.  But
    I found myself being interested in the grey/black cat that was listed
    for adoption on wednesday (NONONONONO!!!!!!!!!) Not now....
    
    I did send a card and picture to their previous mom, with a message 
    written from Bim and Bo's perspective.  I told her that they were 
    doing well, liked their new owners and friends, and missed her too.  
    I have never heard back from her.  It must be really hard.  I can't 
    imagine giving any of them away now, and I dread the time to come when 
    I have to say goodbye to them.  

    Dear Linda -
    
    I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I am glad you shared
    this with us, and that you are getting on with your life. Hopefull
    now things for you and your daughter will be much brighter.
    
    Keep us posted on the cats and what they are up to. You certainly
    have a wonder way with words in your writings.
    
    Again, please accept my sincere sympathy.
    
    Regards,
    Barbara 

    I'm so sorry about your husband.  Since Bo has stopped going in the
    wrong places, I think his behavior must have been his upset at the loss
    of your husband.  When my neighbor's cat's kitten died, the mother cat
    spent days laying at the place where the kitten had died.
    

    
    
    I'm so sorry to hear about your husband.
    
    Bo's behavior is interesting. My parents cat Penelope was my father's
    "girlfriend" and they co-occupied his favorite chair. My father took sick
    last May and was in the hospital until about July. The cat knew
    something was up and wouldn't go near the chair. (His not being home
    never stopped her from sleeping there before this). He came home for just
    under a week, and once again Penny wouldn't leave his side. Since he 
    died, the cat hasn't gone near his chair, and has actually gotten upset
    if you try to put her on the chair.
    
    Deb

    
         I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Glad to hear you are getting 
    into things again.  My Mom just passed away recently and it's been
    hard for my Dad to get back into life.  Chelsea, the big gray tiger
    my parents have had for years has not left my Dad's side since my 
    mother's parting.  Previously, he was extremely close to my Mom.  Now,
    he is like a shadow to my Dad.  They help each other get through the
    day.
    
         Denise and the gang of 11 kitties