| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 5012.1 | Give it a try, but find a backup | GEMVAX::WITTING | | Tue Oct 15 1991 10:27 | 10 |
| It's tough to know in advance how the four cats would get along.
Obviously, they're all individuals, with their own personalities. But
generally speaking, it's not the kittens you have to worry about--they
tend to be much more flexible than adult cats. Since the adult cats
would not be on their own turf, it might work out just fine. I think I
would worry more about how the two adults would get along. If
necessary, could you separate everybody in different rooms? Perhaps
you should think about a "backup" home--a friend or relative who would
be willing to take one of the adults in if things weren't working out.
Good luck!
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| 5012.2 | | GEMVAX::WITTING | | Tue Oct 15 1991 10:36 | 3 |
| oops--just re-read your note and saw that the adults WON'T be together,
since they're coming in shifts. I would say give it a try--it might be
good to give the "kids" experience with other cats.
|
| 5012.3 | | TENAYA::KOLLING | Karen/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca. | Tue Oct 15 1991 15:03 | 3 |
| I'm a little confused about which of tehse beings are feline and which
human....
|
| 5012.4 | Kitties | BAHTAT::HILTON | How's it going royal ugly dudes? | Wed Oct 16 1991 05:31 | 7 |
| I dont know if .3 is winding me up, but the 2 kids and the 2 potential
visitors are all cats.
:^)
Greg
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| 5012.5 | Vet's advice | BAHTAT::HILTON | How's it going royal ugly dudes? | Thu Oct 17 1991 07:17 | 6 |
| Well my Mum asked the vet and he thought it was better if my mum's cat
stayed home with a cat flap and a neighbour to feed her morning and
night. He seems to think the cat would be happier in it's own
surrounding although it will be for 3 months!
Greg
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| 5012.6 | My thoughts... | PROSE::GOGOLIN | | Thu Oct 17 1991 10:27 | 44 |
| Re: .5
I don't agree with the vet's advice. Too many things could go wrong in
a 3 month period. What if the cat was injured/ got sick but only showed
symptoms of, say, being very quiet and maybe not eating? Would the neighbor
notice? Do you know anyone who would be willing to visit the cat twice a
day for 3 months? I feed friends' cats when they go away occasionally
and doing it even once a day for a week can be a real pain (but they do
it for me, too). I also don't think a cattery is a good solution for
this length of time; the cat may feel it's been abandoned. The strange
surroundings and strange people would surely stress the cat(s) and
stress can cause illness.
I don't think there would be any problem (that could not be overcome)
with housing your relatives' cats (sequentially). Even though your house
would be strange to them, they know you and your wife, and you would
presumably give them more attention than they would get in a cattery or
from a neighbor.
It is nearly guaranteed all the felines would act a little hostile at
first, but that doesn't usually last. Kittens, especially, tend to get
over it very quickly because they are so curious and playful.
There are many notes on introductions in this file; check the keywords
or directory. There seem to be two schools of thought about introducing
new animals. One is that you keep the new cat separated for a while (at
least a couple of days, but more if necessary) and introduce the cats
gradually. The other is that you just bring in the new cat, plop it down,
and let them work out their differences. I believe in the former method;
it has always worked well for me. Also, I wouldn't like someone to use
the second method on me. But to each his own.
You didn't mention if kittens and cats would be indoor-only or in and
out. If the latter, you run the risk of the visiting cats trying to
return to their homes.
Another thing to think about in caring for your relatives' cats is
communicable diseases. You probably should consider having all cats
examined by the vet and vaccinated (if they are not up to date) before
exposing them to one another.
Good luck with your decision.
Linda and Misty, Cubby, Tweetie, Toby, Peanut, Sunny, Wrigley, & Jumper
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| 5012.7 | | WR2FOR::CORDESBRO_JO | set home/cat_max=infinity | Thu Oct 17 1991 13:05 | 13 |
| Linda brings up some good points, especially about letting the visiting
cats go outside, and the risk of communicable diseases.
It is my opinion that the visiting cats would suffer less stress in a
cattery situation where they aren't exposed to a lot of other cats that
they don't know, than in your home with two sets of cats they don't
know (yours, and the other visiting cats). The cattery tenders would
look after them well, and could get them veterinary care if needed. If
your mom sent them to the cattery with some of their toys and bedding,
they would be right at home and she wouldn't have to worry about
something happening to them while she's away.
Jo
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| 5012.8 | More opinions and some questions | PROSE::GOGOLIN | | Thu Oct 17 1991 17:07 | 67 |
| Re: .7, Jo
I really don't trust boarding facilities, due to bad experiences I've had
and heard about from others. I'm not trying to argue with you, but...
> It is my opinion that the visiting cats would suffer less stress in a
> cattery situation where they aren't exposed to a lot of other cats that
Is this the case? I would think that a cattery would have a lot of cats
coming and going over a 3-month period. I don't board my cats so don't
know how catteries are set up. Unless the cats are kept in separate
rooms they could spread an upper respiratory infection, for example. Do
catteries have the space to separate the cats like this? How do they
handle it?
If the kittens and cats in the base note are indoor-outdoor I suppose
exposure to other cats really isn't an issue, since they are exposed
to other cats anyway.
> they don't know, than in your home with two sets of cats they don't
> know (yours, and the other visiting cats).
I don't know if this makes a difference to you, but the visiting cats
are not going to be there at the same time. There is a time gap between
the end of one cat's visit and the start of the next, so that makes it
a little less complicated.
> The cattery tenders would
> look after them well, and could get them veterinary care if needed. If
Now this I question. You can't assume they will do this, and have to make
pretty durn sure that the cattery people really will do this, that they
are knowledgeable about cats, and that they will do what's necessary if
and when it's necessary.
A friend's family once boarded their cat, who was a brother to one of
mine, for a week while they went to Bermuda. When they returned they
discovered their cat had died. The kennel owners told them the cat had
pined away and would not eat. A week is too short a time to make this
explanation believable. I don't think it's possible for a healthy cat
to starve to death in a week. Maybe the cat was sick without showing
symptoms before he went to the kennel. The kennel people should have
taken action instead of letting him sit there not eating. The point
here is there are good kennels and bad kennels and you need to find
out which is which beforehand.
> your mom sent them to the cattery with some of their toys and bedding,
> they would be right at home and she wouldn't have to worry about
> something happening to them while she's away.
I still think 3 months is too long to leave a cat in a strange place with
strange people, unless there are no good alternatives. I don't think you
can assume nothing will happen -- or that something WILL happen -- but
it's wise to consider the possibility and make provisions in case it
does. (Actually, this applies no matter who takes care of your cat.) For
example, leaving explicit written instructions for potential problems
that may arise -- if the cat gets sick and needs vet care. What if it's
serious? How much do you want to spend? (That sounds awful, but
financial limitations are an ugly fact of life for most people.)
There is also the expense of boarding to consider.
I guess what it boils down to is I don't trust strangers, and this,
combined with some bad experiences, influences my feelings on boarding.
We each have to weigh all the factors and decide what is best for us.
Linda
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| 5012.9 | no doubt there are bad ones/check around | WR2FOR::CORDESBRO_JO | set home/cat_max=infinity | Thu Oct 17 1991 18:25 | 46 |
| I do think that I prefaced my previous reply with "it is my opinion..."
It isn't important to me whether others agree with my opinion or not, I
thought I would share it with the base noter so that he could see that
there are other sides to consider. All of what follows is my opinion.
In this situation, I am assuming that by cattery the base noter is
refering to a licensed boarding kennel/cattery. If that is the case,
then the kennel/cattery would have separate boarding facilities for the
visiting cats and they would not be exposed to any cats not from their
own household. This would greatly reduce the risk of exposure to
communicable disease.
In a boarding kennel/cattery, the cats would be confined to their own
space (area, cage, whatever you wish to call it), and there would be no
risk of them a)getting loose b)having any of the usual dangers
associated with being outdoors during the owners absense c)being
stressed by the presence of unfamiliar animals.
I agree that there would be some separation stress from being away from
the owner, but you wouldn't be compounding it by forcing them to live
with a couple of cats they are unfamiliar with. I suggested leaving
bedding and toys to help reduce the separation anxiety. These items
would carry the scent of the missing owner, as well as the scent of the
cats familiar household.
Licensed boarding facilities usually have a vet that visits daily to
check on the health/well being of the animals. Any problems that arise
are dealt with immediately. Also, in licensed boarding facilities, the
owners/operators are usually very versed in animal health care and
can recognize signs of problems readily. A person not well versed in
animal care might not be as capable of recognizing problems during their
early stages.
As with any business, there are good ones and bad ones. It is up to
the owner involved to select a boarding facility that is well
maintained and reputable.
If I were going to be gone for an extended period of time, I would
choose a reputable boarding kennel/cattery for my cats rather than have
them move in with friends/family. I would want animal professionals
caring my cats.
This file wouldn't be of much use to people if we all held the same
opinions.
Jo
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| 5012.10 | My thoughts | BAHTAT::HILTON | How's it going royal ugly dudes? | Fri Oct 18 1991 05:58 | 24 |
| Many thanks for the replies, now I'm really confused! I reckon my
options are:
a) Leave my Mums cat at home for 3 months with a friend feeding her.
Benefits=No strange environment, no upheavel
Problems=Hard on the neighbour, could get sick and no-one would notice
b) Put cat in cattery for 3 months
Benefits=Safe, ie in a cage
Problems=No 'loving care', little human contact. With people she
doesn't know
c) Take cat to ouir home.
Benefits=with someone she knows
Problems=Might get jealous of our cats, may try and go home
If we had her at ours we would keep her in for 2/.3 weeks before
letting her out.
I'm inlcined to go for c 'cos at least she's under my control with
people who will look after her.
Greg
|
| 5012.11 | | PROSE::GOGOLIN | | Fri Oct 18 1991 09:48 | 49 |
| Jo, I'm sorry if I hit a sore point with you, or maybe it was the way
my reply was worded. It's hard to be objective about how one's writing
sounds sometimes, especially when you don't have much time to write in
the first place.
Your information on licensed boarding facilities was very informative.
I wonder, though, how many people realize there is a difference in
kennels. Taking a quick look at our local phone book yellow pages, I
see that there are about 20 ads for places that do boarding. None of
them states that they are a licensed boarding facility; actually, there
may be no such thing in NH, where I am located. The state of Calif. may
have higher standards, and may have people who inspect facilities and
enforce regulations. I have not heard of any facilities around here
that operate the way you describe, but again, I don't board my cats
so just may not know they exist.
I believe the base noter is in the UK, so things could be totally
different there as well. Since he did not state "licensed boarding
facility", I didn't assume he meant that, although I did assume it
would be multiple cats in separate cages in one room (or more). I only
wanted to point out that anyone considering boarding their cat(s) that
it *might not* be the great solution it appears.
Probably trillions of cats are boarded every day all over the world in
all types of facilites with no problems. I agree that a cat boarded at a
good facility most likely won't come into *direct contact* with a strange
cat, unless there is human error involved. However, I'm skeptical that the
people caring for the cats will always wash their hands after touching one
cat and before touching another. If each cat is in a separate cage but the
cages are in the same room, it is my opinion that that is not totally safe,
and the stress factor is there, too.
I can understand that you, as a breeder, would prefer to entrust your
cats to professionals rather than rely on others in your absence, though.
I could say more about this but have run out of time (much to everyone's
relief, no doubt :-). As I stated in my previous reply, we each have to
weigh all the factors and decide what is best for us. I acknowledge that
Jo and I have different opinions about boarding cats and will let it rest.
Greg, I hope you don't feel like you're in the middle of a tug of war. :-)
We do have strong opinions on some issues!
At least you, your wife, and your mums have time to think it over. It pays
to plan in advance.
Linda
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| 5012.12 | this is spirited discussion, not argument :^) | WR2FOR::CORDESBRO_JO | set home/cat_max=infinity | Fri Oct 18 1991 13:04 | 62 |
| You didn't hit a sore point with me. After seeing your reply I felt
that I may have not been clear enough in the first statement of my
opinion.
As with any other consumer industry, there are bound to be bad
catteries and kennels. It is up to the consumer to check out the place
that they intend to board their animals with.
I do not think it is fair to make blanket statements as to the amount
and type of care given in boarding facilities. I have used a couple of
boarding facilitites and have had nothing but good experiences. The
best way to find a good boarding facility is to ask your vet for
recommendations. Many vet hospitals have boarding kennels on the
premises.
>>However, I'm skeptical that the people caring for the cats will always
>>wash their hands after touching one cat and before touching another
If the people at the facility are professionals, not only will they
wash their hands, they will wash any equipment that gets used from one
confinement area to the next.
>>If each cat is in a separate cage but the cages are in the same room,
>>it is my opinion that that is not totally safe, and the stress factor
>>is there, too.
Most cattery boarding facilities have the type of cages that most vets
do, the only open side is the front, the sides are solid so that the
cats can't see the cat in the next pen, or stick their feet through and
touch the cat in the next pen. In the facilities that I have visited
out here, the pens are arranged side by side down a long hall. There
is a solid stone wall that separates the two sides of the room, and it
is about 4 feet high. The cattery operators can see over the wall, but
the cats can't see the other cats on the other side of the room.
Just from the mention of the word cattery in the base note, I assumed
that the noter *was* in the UK. Over here, most of us refer to
boarding facilities as kennels. From what I understand, the UK has
strict standards for licensed kennels and catteries. But, the thing
is, I was not trying to argue down your suggestion, just offering an
opposing view. The purpose of this note is not to debate the relative
merits of boarding facilities, but to offer suggestions to a noter who
asked for help.
One of the best examples of the type of facility I am talking about was
when my mother went away and had to board her dog. Prince is an older dog,
and has suffered an injury that caused partial paralysis in his hind
legs. He walks with a stiff legged gait. My mom dropped him off at a
boarding facility at 10:00 P.M. (by special arrangement) the night
before she left on her trip. She listed my name to call in case of an
emergency. At 7:30 A.M. the next morning, I got a call from the
Kennel's vet asking about my mom's dog's lameness! He had come in for
his rounds, and in the course of checking out Prince noticed his gait
and checked him over. Then called me to notify me of the problem. I
explained that we knew that the dog had this problem, but that I was
glad that he had called since it showed me that they were paying
attention at the kennel.
Another point that hasn't been brought up is what affect the visiting
cats will have on the resident cats in the house.
Jo
|