Bowie is nearly 4. Korben Dallas was one on 4/1/99. He's still an adolescent. Ragdoll's are not full grown until around 3.
*LOVE* the new background, Wolfie!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 39 of 191: Isabel (Isabel) * Tue, Sep 28, 1999 (13:05) * 5 lines
That's really sad, Terry. Some years ago, when I missed one of my cats, I hung up notes in the neighborhood, I don't know if this might bring any sucess, maybe somebody has seen her. My cats always found home by themselves. Till once when we found Konitzky, my first cat, in the road-ditch...
I hope everything's ok with Jasmine and she will find her way home again!
Gawd, that makes me depressed, I don't know what I would do without my little kitties - sometimes I think they're the only ones that don't think of me as a complete dumbaßß - at least they don't show it too obvious...
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 40 of 191: Riette Walton (riette) * Tue, Sep 28, 1999 (14:24) * 1 lines
Terry, perhaps the cat HAS gone rampaging - one just never knows with them. It must be terribly worrying for Tami - I do hope you'll find her. It is awful when pets get lost.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 41 of 191: Stacey Vura (stacey) * Tue, Sep 28, 1999 (15:30) * 1 lines
does she have tags so that if someone else were to find her they would know who to call?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 42 of 191: Charlotte Bridges (Charlotte) * Wed, Sep 29, 1999 (15:28) * 3 lines
Someone just emailed me the cutest little program for Windows called felix.exe.
It has been thoroughly scanned and is virus free. Is it possible to post it here somehow?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 43 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Wed, Sep 29, 1999 (20:55) * 3 lines
terry? what do you think about felix.exe?
isabel--i know the feeling. when everyone else acts like i'm an idiot, my dogs sure know how to make me feel special!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 44 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Wed, Sep 29, 1999 (23:52) * 5 lines
I don't know about felix.exe. It's ok to post a link I guess.
Jasmine still missing, has tags.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 45 of 191: Charlotte Bridges (Charlotte) * Thu, Sep 30, 1999 (00:59) * 4 lines
How about I email it to you, Wolfie. Or to Terry. And you can then decide.
I don't think a link will work because geocities won't allow executables to be uploaded.
I'm so depressed about Jasmine!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 46 of 191: Gi (patas) * Thu, Sep 30, 1999 (05:04) * 1 lines
My Mom's cats have been known to stay away for a month at (in all probability) somebody else's home and then come back, so keep your fingers crossed for Jasmine!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 47 of 191: Riette Walton (riette) * Fri, Oct 1, 1999 (13:48) * 1 lines
We sure will, Terry.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 48 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Sat, Dec 4, 1999 (09:37) * 1 lines
Any news?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 49 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sat, Dec 4, 1999 (15:00) * 1 lines
My question as well...Terry?!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 50 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Sun, Dec 5, 1999 (11:19) * 1 lines
On the subject of cats - has anyone ever come up with a really good virtual cat? I'm a long time cat person, but can't have one at present.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 51 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Sun, Dec 5, 1999 (13:12) * 3 lines
have you heard of dogz? they're virtual pets that play on your screen. also, karen sent me a cat that plays on the screen too. let me see if i can find it and maybe i can email it to you, but only at your request.
the dogz do cost something to get the program. i saw it for free and you can play with it, feed it, and send it outside! lemme see if i can find something more feasable. surely they have cats too!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 52 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sun, Dec 5, 1999 (19:44) * 1 lines
I just sent Maggie a virtual lamb which frolics on your screen and plays and makes cute noises. If anyone else would like Ron, just let me know!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 53 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Sun, Dec 5, 1999 (21:56) * 1 lines
yes, indeed! send away, those things are cute!!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 54 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Mon, Dec 6, 1999 (00:24) * 2 lines
He is now yours, Wolfie, and he is scampering around my monitor as well.
I think he is a Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, come to look at him closer. Whatever, he is so cute!!!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 55 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Mon, Dec 6, 1999 (19:22) * 1 lines
i was wondering why you sent a picture of "ron"!! (forgot he was the sheep)
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 56 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Mon, Dec 6, 1999 (19:32) * 1 lines
Did you put him someplace safe so you can click on him and have him running around on your monitor? Mine is!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 57 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Mon, Dec 6, 1999 (20:52) * 1 lines
he's running around as we speak (and bouncing). you're right, he's a ram!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 58 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Mon, Dec 6, 1999 (21:10) * 3 lines
her's a virtual petz website as promised, think they have a demo to download:
http://www.pfmagic.com/central/default.asp
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 59 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Mon, Dec 6, 1999 (21:34) * 1 lines
Thanks for that URL... (Did he wee on your monitor yet? He is definitely a He!)
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 60 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Mon, Dec 6, 1999 (21:48) * 1 lines
...think I might rename mine...*grin*
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 61 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Wed, Dec 8, 1999 (15:47) * 1 lines
Whats with the space ship that came and sucked up Ron? Wierd or what!!!!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 62 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Dec 8, 1999 (16:53) * 1 lines
Have you seen the little alien, too? They give him back...*smile*
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 63 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Wed, Dec 8, 1999 (20:16) * 1 lines
no aliens yet but what about the flaming ron dropping from the sky and falling into a tub? and who's his friend that shows up now and again?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 64 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Dec 8, 1999 (20:36) * 1 lines
Don't know...Don't remember a friend. Better Boot mine again and check. I think he does that flaming thing when you are not paying enough attention to him and he wants attention.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 65 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Wed, Dec 8, 1999 (21:28) * 1 lines
this other bighorn sheep came flying out of the sky and chased ron around a bit. and ron seems to have trouble landing sometimes. he just crashes and his eyes are x'd out. i'll need to watch carefully for the alien.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 66 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Dec 8, 1999 (21:49) * 1 lines
He falls off the program windows when you close them, too. He is a fast mender, though! I noted the little black-faced critter when I was posting about your Christmas light problem. If you put the cursor on him he stops and goes the other way. If you right click it when the hand is on him, yhou get options from which to choose.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 67 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Wed, Dec 8, 1999 (21:54) * 1 lines
i tried to put the cursor on him (the visitor sheep) and nothing happened. tried to right-click on the big horn and nothing happened either. he must be happy because he's eating and running around. oh, and he watches the sky and when his friend stops by (he's been running along the top of my screen), ron just watches.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 68 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Dec 8, 1999 (22:19) * 1 lines
It is a double click which activates your choices. Sorry! He is not a very good climber yet, is he?!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 69 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Sun, Feb 27, 2000 (15:20) * 1 lines
Rejoice! Rejoice! We are getting cats!!! Yes, cats plural! Daughter 2 is coming home from Uni for good in May and it has been decided we will get two kittens - if mum is willing to 'socialise' them - is she just! Husband is still grumbling about the cost - but we'll wear him down. This time they will be indoor cats (at least when we're out, I can't cope with another run over) hence the stipulation we'll get two for company. At least I'll get to enjoy them for a few months before I leave for Africa.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 70 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sun, Feb 27, 2000 (15:57) * 1 lines
How lovely! And, two is the proper number. How delightful for Mom, daughter and kittens. Husband is reacting just as My father did when we got our cat all those years ago. Must be something on the Englishman's makeup which does not allow for affection for cats but prizes dogs over their own children...*lol*
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 71 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sat, Mar 4, 2000 (20:26) * 49 lines
Instructions for Giving Your 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 away soggy pill.
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 10.
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 Doulton
figures 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 is 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, leaving its head showing. Force
mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with plastic band.
11) Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply
cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus jab.
Throw T-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, and force
cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth, followed by
large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour pint 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 it
has any hamsters.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 72 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Sat, Mar 4, 2000 (22:49) * 1 lines
*lol*
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 73 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sat, Mar 4, 2000 (22:55) * 1 lines
It's an oldie - but goodie...!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 74 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Sun, Mar 5, 2000 (15:17) * 1 lines
You betcha! Reminds me of a metaphor for the research process someone gave me. I'll see if I can find it. It feels truer every day.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 75 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (11:26) * 4 lines
Here's that metaphor from Kharyssa on the Phinished message board.
For serious metaphors I have always thought of the thesis as trying to catch an angry wet cat. If you have ever chased a half-bathed cat around your house, you know exactly what I mean. Things start off well... you draw the bath with the perfect kitty temperature; set up the soap and fresh dry towels; vow to stay relatively dry yourself; and bring in the unsuspecting feline (intro). As soon as you pick the animal up, he knows what is about to happen... after all you have donned your gardening gloves and are holding him by the paws and scruff of the neck. At the first touch of water the skirming worsens, but eventually the cat calms down and submits to the vigorous soapy scrubbing (theory). Realize, of course, that the cat is planning his escape. The moment you reach for more soap he is gone in a flurry of water and claws (methods). You spend the next 20 minutes trying to catch the cat (results), who's wet soapy fur makes it easy for him to slip through your hands (conclusion). Finally he makes that one fata
move... he is caught; and quickly brought, hissing and squirming back to the bath, where you beg him to stay still long enough to rinse him off (committee revisions). When all is said and done, you set to the task of mopping up the sopping bathroom, ringing out the drenched towels, and changing into dry clothes (defense).
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 76 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (14:04) * 2 lines
I forwarded this to John, who is, as we speak, working on his Master's Thesis.
That is lovely! And all too true! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 77 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (14:08) * 1 lines
i love this, maggie!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 78 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (14:09) * 1 lines
go john go!! master thesis away!!!!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 79 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (14:36) * 1 lines
I second that - push through the tough bits, it's worth it in the end.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 80 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (15:49) * 1 lines
I fancy myself as his chief Cheerleader and angst reliever. I forwarded him your messages. Thanks!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 81 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (15:50) * 4 lines
John's and My comments crossed in the email...as your comments went out this came in from him:
"Yeah, and the cat is a full-grown tiger."
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 82 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (15:53) * 1 lines
Definitely, and i ain't got a chair!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 83 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (15:58) * 1 lines
*haha*
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 84 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (16:01) * 1 lines
I suggested to him that he have his personal tiger, declawed, defanged and castrated to even the playing field. Have not heard back, yet.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 85 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (16:04) * 1 lines
We could offer to be the team with sticks and chairs and things helping the tamer? or aternatively we could offer tea and sympathy. Wonder which he'd choose!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 86 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (16:12) * 5 lines
John: "haven't found the gun with the tranquilizer dart yet"
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 87 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Mon, Mar 6, 2000 (16:15) * 3 lines
LOL...He has gotten plenty of *hugs* and sympathy from me...I sent him your comment and I also wonder which he would choose.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 88 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Tue, Mar 7, 2000 (05:23) * 1 lines
ah, but watch out when he wakes up from the tranquilizer dart - you'll need us ladies then to protect you!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 89 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Tue, Mar 7, 2000 (16:25) * 1 lines
I just email him your comment...waiting for his response *grin* You are right, though! Don't mess with an Englishwoman. It reminds me of Edna Mae Oliver in "A Tale of Two Cities" when she was about to be taken prisoner by the rabble in Paris. She drew herself up full height and said "I am an Englishwoman!" in no uncertain terms. The rabble backed out and closed the door. We protect our own!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 90 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Tue, Mar 7, 2000 (16:31) * 2 lines
Definitely, I'm a real mothercat!
(BTW daughter 2 had a birthday yesterday, today she rings up to ask how to make pancakes (crepes to you I think). We're going to see her at the weekend)
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 91 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Tue, Mar 7, 2000 (16:57) * 1 lines
Crepes are just that - dessert and very different from the breakfast sort which we call pancakes. At least she is not making them from a box mix!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 92 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Wed, Mar 8, 2000 (02:50) * 3 lines
It was really funny - I was reading out to her from the cook book and she was shouting out instructions to her housemate.
Did I tell you about the little kittens they had a t a house I went to for a meeting the other day. There was one which was black with white paws and a white bib. It was adorable (apart from the fleas!). The mother looked really nice too. Should I get a brother and sister or go for cats from different families? The only male cat I've had before was one of our kittens and he turned ferral. The grandmother came from chatham dockyard from the ferral pack there, and out of each litter of kittens we had half went ferral.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 93 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Mar 8, 2000 (13:04) * 3 lines
Get your kittens from a domesticated cat or the animal shelter and let them know you want to have them be companions. Be sure they are neutered - that will keep them from wandering. Brother and sister can be wonderful companions - just don't breed them Choose them for personality!
I have this most entertaining image in my mind of the pancake instructions being relayed. Wonder if they got it right!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 94 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Wed, Mar 8, 2000 (13:46) * 3 lines
Haven't heard yet. Wonder what she'll cook for sunday dinner. She's enjoying showing me that she's domesticated. (unlike me!) T's cooking dinner agin - chicken korma tonight.
I am tempted to contact the lady whose house I was at, maybe put down for some from the next brood.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 95 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Mar 8, 2000 (15:00) * 1 lines
Sounds like a good idea to reserve first choice!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 96 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Wed, Mar 8, 2000 (15:22) * 1 lines
it was a darling. i bet the next litter look as nice.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 97 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Mar 8, 2000 (15:30) * 1 lines
Have you seen the Daddy of the litter? They will probably be as adorable as the other bunch. Who can resist a kitten or two (other than husbands, that is!)
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 98 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Wed, Mar 8, 2000 (15:41) * 1 lines
no father in sight only two mums. husband is still being worked on!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 99 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Wed, Mar 8, 2000 (18:34) * 3 lines
they all are, huh? "work in progress" they should all carry "danger" signs! *grin*
i'd go with the animal shelter or vet first only because the kitties have been checked (or a pet store-although one pet store around here had rabid kitties and had to vaccinate everyone who came in the store and played with them, sad)...
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 100 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Mar 8, 2000 (20:52) * 2 lines
"work in progress" they should all carry "danger" signs!
You ARE talking about the house males, aren't we? *grin*
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 101 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Wed, Mar 8, 2000 (21:05) * 1 lines
yeah! the ones that are actually getting worked on (for years and years and years) *grin*
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 102 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (01:27) * 1 lines
...The Never-Ending Story was written about that, no?!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 103 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (14:19) * 1 lines
we will win in the end and get kitties.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 104 of 191: Alexander (aschuth) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (14:28) * 1 lines
Get siblings (and don't be upset if they start to fight occasionally, or try to breed), and make sure you don't leave one behind.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 105 of 191: Alexander (aschuth) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (14:29) * 1 lines
Hmh, but if YOU go to Africa, does the whole Lingo-tribe follow? Or do some stay behind, and can care for the furries?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 106 of 191: Alexander (aschuth) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (14:30) * 1 lines
Oh, and do something so you don't get kitties yourself. Neuter both.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 107 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (14:32) * 1 lines
the ONLY reason I've agreed to cats now is that daughter 2 will have finished Uni and looking for a graduate placement in accountancy and will be living at home. daughter 1 has returned to the family mansion following emotional upheaval (which then passed to mum). Boy do I sound old - I am Alexander, I am!However, They have requested that I housetrain the critters before upping and leaving.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 108 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (14:40) * 1 lines
they want you to housetrain their kitties? sounds like kids!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 109 of 191: Alexander (aschuth) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (14:41) * 5 lines
Cats are easy to train. A couple months, and they're fine. It's easier if they spend longer time with Mommy... which would deprive you of the baby kitty-phase, but makes for healthier, fitter cats.
Yes, make sure they know you before you leave. Else they will be upset when you come back - they will be upset, anyway, but it'd be much worse.
There are two main problems with cats: scratching up things and spraying (marking?) in the house. For the first, get a rough coco-fiber carpet in the hallway, and for the latter, make sure they can get out whenever they want. Spraying is a sign of unhappiness, much less of marking the territory.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 110 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (14:43) * 1 lines
and neuter them BEFORE they start spraying (if you get a male).....
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 111 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (15:00) * 1 lines
Reason I get the job - is cos I've done it lots of times before. Also, I'm home-working just now. Also, to be honest, I volunteered.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 112 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (15:04) * 1 lines
we knew the truth was in there somewhere *wink*
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 113 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (15:05) * 1 lines
I'll need a support group - volunteers?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 114 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (15:11) * 1 lines
that's what we're here for! go, maggie, go!!!!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 115 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (15:23) * 1 lines
Knew I could count on you.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 116 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Thu, Mar 9, 2000 (15:33) * 1 lines
*grin*
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 117 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Fri, Mar 10, 2000 (12:53) * 1 lines
Me too! I had kitties, too!!! (or support for anything else. ) You know Wolfie and I are good for that sort of thing! *hugs* all round!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 118 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Fri, Mar 10, 2000 (16:36) * 1 lines
There was one in the paper today. He travelled 400 miles from scotland under the bonnet of a car. when the driver opened the bonnet (oh that's the bit where the engine is by the way) there was what looked like a feather mop. it growled. he's lost one eye and looks dreadful. i can't make the decision. it's got to be Hannah cos it's her kittens.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 119 of 191: Wolf (wolf) * Fri, Mar 10, 2000 (18:35) * 1 lines
oh this pooor baby. i'd growl too travelling that far and being rudely awakened! oh, i just want to hug him!!!!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 120 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sat, Mar 11, 2000 (15:08) * 2 lines
The resident compulsive collector has another cat to add to his marmalade kitty.
This one is a lop-eared blocky-built Saimese. Most strange-looking critter I ever saw but it is quiet and peaceful and they are coming to tolerate each other. The new one will also eat the bargain brands of cat food the marmalade princess would not touch!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 121 of 191: Cheryl Brugette (CherylB) * Sat, Mar 11, 2000 (15:16) * 1 lines
Do you think the marmalade princess might teach the new kitty fussy food habits? She is after all a cat and has her mystique to maintain.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 122 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sun, Mar 12, 2000 (19:35) * 2 lines
Most likely! Like any of God's critters, what the one has the other wants, too.
The new one is still a little iffy in our affections which she recognizes and is grateful for free food. However, I am sure it is just a matter of time until the cat in her surfaces and the obliging feline becomes Siamese royalty.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 123 of 191: Gena (zx6rider) * Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (20:48) * 3 lines
OK... gag-o-matic moment here! I wear a heart monitor when I work out. I finished yesterday and took the tranmitter belt from around my chest and put it on the hall table... where my cat Nike promptly upchucked all over it!
Yuck!!!! Makes me really want to put that transmitter back on tomorrow, uh-huh.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 124 of 191: ark spring (sprin5) * Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (21:12) * 1 lines
Maybe make Nike wear it for a day, just kidding!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 125 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (21:15) * 1 lines
Nothing like having an in-house critic. What's the cat's major problem - taking you away from her???
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 126 of 191: Mistress of the Ark (wolf) * Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (21:21) * 1 lines
that's what i was gonna say. nike doesn't want you to leave, huh?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 127 of 191: Gena (zx6rider) * Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (21:21) * 3 lines
No... she's bolemic. No, really, she is. Has been since she was little. Skinny as a rail, eats then urps about every other day on whatever she's sitting on. When she was younger I asked several vets about it... they found nothing wrong with her. She just wants to stay thin...
Meanwhile her sister Reebok is a chunk! Rarely drops a tidbit of food, and only urps an occasional furball.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 128 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (21:26) * 3 lines
(the exercise, that is)
Siamese Queen cat is kitty-non-grata around here, now! A good ratter, but far too feisty with house cat.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 129 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Wed, Apr 26, 2000 (21:30) * 1 lines
Never heard of that, but ...lots of things I have never heard of, but I am listening...
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 130 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Thu, Apr 27, 2000 (13:13) * 1 lines
OK you guys, where's my kitten support team??? We need good kitten finding vibes just now - the hunt is on. The order is for a silver short haired tabby and one other to keep it company. I'll be contacting the cat rescue people soon. Husband is coming round - he loves cats, but is on about the expense. If we find them pretty soon, that give me five months cat time before I leave and the girls take over, and hopefully they'll be old enough to leave at home while the girls are at work. I'm really looking forward to socialising kittens again.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 131 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Thu, Apr 27, 2000 (19:40) * 2 lines
Cats are not expensive. Dogs are expensive!
Charming Kitty-beams aimed in your direction, Maggie. Just have then neutered ASAP
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 132 of 191: ark spring (sprin5) * Thu, Apr 27, 2000 (21:27) * 1 lines
We have cats skittering around the backyard. They are not allowed anywhere in the house except in Jane and Dora's rooms. So they just go in and out of these girls rooms.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 133 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Thu, Apr 27, 2000 (22:13) * 1 lines
Well diciplined! Did that missing kitty last year ever come back?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 134 of 191: Alpha Wolf (wolf) * Thu, Apr 27, 2000 (22:21) * 1 lines
good luck kitty hunting, maggie. i don't think i'd get over on the customs folks trying to smuggle a cat fitting your description if i said "but maggie must have this one!" *grin*
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 135 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Fri, Apr 28, 2000 (06:24) * 1 lines
Nope, but thanks for trying Wolfie!!! I'm putting out feelers. House male is still on about neutering costs, injections, etc. Need vibes for daughter 2 to get a well-paid accountancy placement as these will be her cats, and she will foot the bills.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 136 of 191: ark spring (sprin5) * Fri, Apr 28, 2000 (08:55) * 1 lines
It lurks around the neighborhood maybe, or else it's a lookalike.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 137 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Fri, Apr 28, 2000 (11:32) * 1 lines
Cats are opportunistic. So does the Siamese we had to chase off. Don't actually think we succeeded since there are signs arund that she/he is still here, but at least it is not fighing with ours in the middle of the night anymore.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 138 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Wed, May 10, 2000 (14:43) * 20 lines
The EMAZING Cat Tip of the Day - Wednesday May 10, 2000
Wild Reasons to Keep Your Cat Inside
Cats kill 4-5 million birds each day.
Collar bells on cats don't work because birds and other
wildlife do not associate bells with being stalked.
Ground-nesting birds are particularly susceptible to
predation by cats.
Cats will hunt small wild animals, despite how well-fed
they are.
Almost all young birds leave the nest before they can fly
well and spend a day or two on the ground. As these
fledglings are learning to fly, cats frequently catch them.
Most of the birds caught by cats, but not killed outright,
die of their injuries or infection.
Cats that kill small rodents can eliminate a critical food
source for owls and hawks.
- Lisa Scott
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 139 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Thu, May 11, 2000 (15:07) * 17 lines
Cloning Kitty
Have you ever wished you could have another cat just like
your current one? Well, that may not be too far off in the
future. No one knows for certain when, or if, animal
cloning will be technically and commercially possible. What
is known is that since a sheep, Dolly, was cloned in
Scotland in 1996, scientists have successfully cloned
cattle and mice in their laboratories. Information abounds
about cloning mammals and now there is a company that
offers to store your cat's DNA to clone it at a future
date! Viable DNA is taken from your valued animal and
stored in a Bio-Shelter (trademark). Once animal cloning
becomes a reality, you may be able to use the preserved DNA
to clone your prized animal.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 140 of 191: Cheryl (CherylB) * Thu, May 11, 2000 (18:18) * 1 lines
Not just kitties either. Can you imagine what people who breed racehorses will make out of this?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 141 of 191: ark spring (sprin5) * Fri, May 12, 2000 (08:11) * 1 lines
How do you keep neighbor stray cats out of your own cats food? The cat is fed outdoors, it's an outdoor cat and I don't want to feed it inside.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 142 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Fri, May 12, 2000 (17:35) * 17 lines
You cannot unless you stand by the cat while it eats. Ours gets fed in the anteroom between the outside and the kitchen (in what used to be the garage but is now a storge room.) We have tried just about everything we could think of to keep the other cats away - I have not yet found a way other than isolating our outdoor (entirely - I insist on it) cat.
Cat Scratch Fever
Have you heard of Cat Scratch Fever? Not the song, the
disease. For almost 100 years, cat scratches have been
associated with illness in people. One estimate by the
Centers for Disease Control found that there were 2.5 cases
of CSF, or CSD (Cat Scratch Disease) as it is also known,
per 100,000 people each year in the United States.
Typically, a small skin lesion (resembling an insect bite)
develops at the site of a cat scratch or (less commonly) a
bite, followed within two weeks by swollen lymph nodes and
sometimes a fever. The illness is mild and self-limiting in
the majority of patients, although it may take some months
for the swollen lymph nodes to return to normal. Treatment
is usually not required.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 143 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Tue, May 16, 2000 (14:12) * 84 lines
DECLAWING YOUR CAT: SHOULD YOU OR SHOULDN'T YOU?
When it comes to the raging controversy over declawing cats,
it's important to remember that sometimes the choice comes
down something this simple: What's better? A homeless cat
or a declawed one?
It's not a hypothetical question. In one study of declawed
cats, half of the owners who had chosen the surgery reveal-
ed that they would not have kept their cats otherwise. And
nearly three-quarters admitted to having an improved
relationship with their pet after surgery.
Mind you, I'm no fan of routine declawing. I shudder when
people asked me to recommend a veterinarian to declaw their
kitten, as if amputating the tips of their pet's toes was
an automatic part of the new pet startup kit. But I'm also
realistic enough to know that in a battle of spouses over
shredded furniture, or when new furniture arrives in a
household with a scratching cat, declawing may be the only
thing between a once-cherished pet and a trip to the shelter.
You can argue that people who would choose furniture over a
pet shouldn't have one. You'd have plenty of company. But I
stick to my belief that in some cases declawing is the les-
ser of two evils. I know many, many people who have had
their cats declawed, and the animals have come through the
trauma splendidly and been adored and well-cared-for pets
for years. In all other respects, you couldn't ask for
better owners.
They said, declawing should never be a pre-emptive response
to the possibility of a cat's scratching. Nor should it be
the first strategy chosen when scratching is discovered. In
last week's column I talked about nonsurgical alternatives
to destructiveness: How to encourage a cat to scratch where
you want him to, while discouraging him from digging his
claws in where you don't. (That column is available in the
Pet Connection archives, at www.vin.com/petcare.)
If you've tried retraining, consider a couple of final steps
before declawing: trimming the claws, or capping them. Clip-
ping the tips of your cat's claws on a monthly basis makes
them less efficient at shredding, and you can take it a step
further by gluing Soft Paws nail caps over the trimmed tips.
With gentle, encouraging handling, many cats get used these
procedures. Have your veterinarian show you how to get
started. Soft Paws are available though veterinarians, or
through some pet-supply catalogs. You can also order directly
from the company at 1-800-989-2542, or on the Web at
www.softpaws.com.
So you've tried everything and are at the end of your rope?
Then talk to your veterinarian about declawing. There are
two procedures used today, and you should be well informed
about them both in order to make a decision.
On each of the front toes, a procedure roughly comparable to
cutting off your own fingertip at the first joint. The skin
is then glued or stitched over the exposed joint, the feet
are bandaged, and the cat is sent home to heal for the next
couple of weeks. (Your veterinarian will have her own guide-
lines for after-care for you to follow.)
Some veterinarians offer the alternative of severing the
tendons that allow a cat to unsheathe his claws. One of
the drawbacks of this surgery is that the claws continue
to grow, and must be kept trimmed.
No matter which procedure you choose, you must remember
that you have a special responsibility to the cat you
have so altered. While living indoors is safer for all
cats, it's especially important for a declawed one. Cats
without the ability to use their claws have been deprived
of an important defensive tool and are in grave danger
outdoors.
This decision to declaw should never be taken lightly. But
in some situations, it's a hard choice that is better than
the alternatives.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 144 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Fri, May 19, 2000 (19:25) * 107 lines
FOODS AND FELINES CAT QUIZ #2
TRUE OR FALSE?
1. Cats like chocolate and you should feed it to them regularly.
2. Cats should have some tuna in their diet everyday.
3. If your cat can't smell her food, she won't eat it.
4. Cats cannot taste sweet foods.
5. An average cat food dinner is equal to about 5 medium-
sized field mice.
(Check your answers at bottom.)
WHO'S THAT HISTORICAL AILUROPHOBE? Famous Cat Haters:
Much to our dismay, there are and have been people in the
world who are total ailurophobes - those who hate or are
terrified of cats. We find it hard to comprehend, but it
is so. You may find this portion of the newsletter hard
to read, but press on!
Here are a few historical figures who could form their
own anti-cat club:
--William Shakespeare - probably thought the only good
cat was a dead one. (Okay, Willie, I'll not read another
one of your plays!)
--President Dwight Eisenhower - banished cats from the White
House and ordered his staff to shoot them on sight if any came
onto the grounds. (That's no way for a five star GENERAL to
act is it? There goes my "I Like Ike button!")
---Johannes Brahms, composer of some of the world's most
beautiful music - refused to even go near a cat. Obviously
a cat was not responsible for inspiring any of his music.
(Well, Joe, I'm going to check my classical CD collection
for your stuff right now!)
BUT the cat hater of all cat haters - the one whose picture
you see next to the definition of ailurophobe in the
dictionary - is none other than:
---Napoleon Bonaparte - He had an extreme and irrational fear
of felines. He would be transformed from a courageous world
conquering warrior emperor into a trembling, sweating, wimp
if he even thought there was a cat anywhere near him. He
could conquer the world, but not his fear of an innocent
pussycat! (I thought it was Waterloo that did him in, but
maybe there was a cat on the battlefield!)
BUT - we shouldn't be too harsh on those who are truly afraid
of cats, and I'm just kidding with my remarks in parentheses.
Experts on the subject say the cause probably comes from a
childhood incident when a cat either attacked or frightened
the person for whatever reason.
But there is hope for current sufferers. The condition is
treatable. The best method for a cure is to gradually relearn
how to associate with cats and to realize there is nothing to
fear from our gentle lovable feline creatures.
(Are you ready to "adopt an ailurophobe?" Sounds like a good
cause to me.)
MORE KITTY QUOTES:
--"There's no need for a piece of sculpture in a home that
has a cat." --Wesley Bates, American writer
--"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life:
music and cats. --Albert Schweitzer
AMAZING CAT-STATS:
Cat owners in the United States in an average year are
spending a total of $2.2 billion on cat food and nearly
$300 million on kitty litter. That's a lot of scooping!
FUN STUFF - KITTY WEBSITE FREEBIES:
From Garfield, America's favorite lasagna-loving cat, free
games and e-mail. Visit: http://www.garfield.com
If you don't have a website yet for your fair feline, you can
get a FREE one now. Answer a few questions and upload your
cat's favorite photo, and your puss will have a home on the
Web. Visit: http://www.burnerkitty.com/get_page.shtml
********
Answers to CAT QUIZ #2 - True or False?
1. Cats like chocolate and you should feed it to them
regularly.
----False. No way. Never feed your cat chocolate. It's
poisonous and can be fatal. (Also, FYI, don't let her eat
avocado, lily of the valley, morning glory, poinsettia, and
Tylenol (acetaminophen) - these are all poisons to cats.
2. Cats should have some tuna in their diet everyday.
----False. Tuna is very high in mineral content and a daily
diet would be harmful. It's okay as an occasional treat
only.
3. If your cat can't smell her food, she won't eat it.
----True. Even with 17 million nerve cells in her nose,
if your cat can't detect a scent in what she's about to eat,
she won't take the risk.
4. Cats cannot taste sweet foods.
----False. Cats are able to taste sweet foods. Some like them,
and some don't.
5. An average cat food dinner is equal to about 5 medium
sized field mice.
----True. So, the next time you run out of your cat's favorite
canned gourmet dinner... go out and hunt... well, never mind -
just go to the store for more!
Questions... Comments... email us at:
mailto:catnip@shagmail.com
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 145 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Fri, May 19, 2000 (19:26) * 12 lines
Cat Sulking
Does your cat seem to sulk after you scold it? You would
like to think it understands you are upset and it is
showing its remorse by sulking. All you have really done is
intimidate the cat into feeling inferior. When you scold,
you probably stare at the cat. It is a natural response for
the cat to turn away to avoid hostility. This makes the cat
less afraid and also keeps it from staring back, which
would be a way of provoking an attack in the wild.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 146 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (18:27) * 15 lines
Pet Connection - Saturday, May 20, 2000
Gee, and to think I missed "National Hairball Awareness Day"!
Despite a pet-food company's efforts to create concern and
sell a special diet -- hairballs are not a serious health
issue for your cat. Sure, they're nothing you want to step on
in bare feet in the middle of the night, but they're just part
of living with a cat. You can reduce the number of hairballs
by grooming your cat regularly, and by adding a little canned
pumpkin to your pet's diet to increase the fiber and help the
hair work its way through the system. Commercial preparations
are fine, too, but it's really better to keep their use to a
minimum. Frequent use of hairball remedies can decrease the
absorption of some vitamins.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 147 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (18:33) * 1 lines
hairball remedies?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 148 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (19:03) * 4 lines
The white cat has been roaming around outside my sliding glass door today.
Curious about the sounds coming out of my ham radio. It's just the guys on the 442.15 repeater.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 149 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (19:04) * 1 lines
I got an internal server error just now but the information posted anyway.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 150 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (19:22) * 1 lines
I've been hitting the reload button before going on - I lost one long post by not having it appear before going on. But, we ARE posting! Your kitty sound nice - is it on of the two which are just allowed in the two rooms? I'm trying to figure out how to get pumpkin into kitty. Mine would not eat anything much veggie.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 151 of 191: ark spring (sprin5) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (19:29) * 1 lines
Yep it's one of those. It's not around right now. I'm setting up a new video server, so you can watch it on the main page for a few hours.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 152 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (19:30) * 1 lines
It took two tries that time. Digihost needs to reboot their server.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 153 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (19:30) * 2 lines
I see Mike's online, it seems to be working better now.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 154 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (19:30) * 1 lines
That time is posted with one submit. So did this one.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 155 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (19:31) * 1 lines
I think we're back to normal. It was a Server error and not a Yapp error, I believe.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 156 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (19:33) * 5 lines
"The cat could very well be man's best friend but would never stoop to admitting it."
-- Doug Larson
Not here yet - took me five pokes of reload to get here. I think my last post did not go through here...
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 157 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Sat, May 20, 2000 (19:34) * 1 lines
You're roght! it is fixed!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 158 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Sun, May 21, 2000 (00:53) * 1 lines
Well you might have been "roght" but it was not fixed...*sigh*
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 159 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Mon, May 22, 2000 (15:50) * 22 lines
Get a Chip on the Shoulder
Does your cat wear identity tags? One problem with tags is
they can be lost or removed and cats seem to be Houdinis at
getting collars off. In an effort to make identifying lost
pets easier, animal shelters across the country have begun
injecting tiny microchips under the skin of animals in
their care. Each chip stores a nine-digit number. The chips
are 14 millimeters long--about the size of a grain of
rice--and weigh about 0.25 grams. Workers use a hypodermic
needle to inject a chip just under the skin of a cat,
usually in the animal's shoulder. When a lost or abandoned
animal is brought to the shelter, workers use hand-held
scanners to emit low-frequency radio waves that can read
the number of the chip inside an animal. Shelters use a
computer database to match the number with the pet's
owners.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 160 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Tue, May 23, 2000 (14:29) * 19 lines
Flea Facts
Summertime is coming fast and that means flea season. Now
is the time to "know thy enemy" and prepare for battle.
Here are some flea facts to prepare you for the skirmish.
There are 2,400 varieties of fleas, including cat fleas
(Ctenocephalides felinus).
A flea can jump 150 times its own length. This is
equivalent to an adult human leaping over the Statue of
Liberty.
A jumping flea accelerates 50 times faster than the space
shuttle!
Want to live without fleas? Consider moving to the
mountains. Fleas do not live above 500 feet. Fleas thrive
in a warm humid environment, which is about 65 to 80
degrees Fahrenheit and about 70% humidity.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 161 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Tue, May 23, 2000 (16:13) * 121 lines
To what degree are you willing to demonstrate your total
devotion and commitment to pussycats? If the sky's the
limit, then do I have a project for you!
I have found a fantastic recipe for a special dessert for kitty
you can make if you want something REALLY DIFFERENT to serve
your guests. I guarantee that this dish will not only make
your next party a totally unforgettable experience, it will
clearly demonstrate to all how hooked on cats you truly are.
In a recent issue I've told you about a few famous "cat haters"
or ailurophobiacs. Today it's time to balance that off with
a story about a very famous cat lover. This man lovingly
cared for many cats during his lifetime, and today, nearly 40
years after his death, the legacy of his cats lives on. Who
could this be?
You may not be able to always understand what your cat is
saying to you with his various meows, but he can speak to
you in a language that's very clear - body language. You
can learn, in general, if your cat is friendly, playful, or
aggressive by looking at him.
^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^
A SPECIAL CAT RECIPE - KITTY LITTER CAKE!
(Created by Mike and Linda Will)
A great recipe. Guaranteed to make your next party remembered.
Are you ready to bake? Show the world what a "purr-fect" you are.
INGREDIENTS:
--1 spice or german chocolate cake mix (include ingredients
listed in mix)
--1 white cake mix (include ingredients listed in mix.)
--1 pkg. white sandwich cookies
--1 large pkg. vanilla instant pudding mix (include ingredients
listed on mix.
--green food coloring
--12 small Tootsie Rolls
--1 brand new and clean kitty litter box
--1 brand new and clean kitty litter box liner
--1 brand new and clean kitty litter scoop
DIRECTIONS:
1. Prepare cake mixes according to package directions. (Any
size cake pans.)
2. Prepare pudding mix according to package directions and
chill until ready to use. Crumble white sandwich cookies in
small batches in blender. (Scrape often, they tend to stick.)
Set aside all but 1/4 cup. To this 1/4 cup cookie crumbs, add
a few drops of green food coloring and mix using a fork or by
shaking in a jar.
3. When the cakes are cooled to room temperature, crumble
them into a large bowl. Toss with half of the remaining
white cookie crumbs and the chilled pudding. You probably
won't need all of the pudding. Mix it with the cake and
feel it; you don't want it soggy, just moist. Gently combine.
4. Line new, clean kitty litter box. Put mixture into litter
box.
5. Put three unwrapped Tootsie Rolls in a microwave safe dish
and heat until soft and pliable. Shape ends so they are no
longer blunt, curving slightly. Repeat with 3 more Tootsie
Rolls and bury these in the mixture.
6. Sprinkle the other half of the cookie crumbs over the
top. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly over the top.
This is supposed to resemble the chlorophyll in the litter.
7. Heart remaining Tootsie Rolls, 3 at a time in the microwave
until almost melted. Spread them on top of the cake and
sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Or, only spread 5 of the
remaining Tootsie Rolls over the top. Take one and heat
until pliable, and hang it over the side of the kitty litter
box, sprinkling it lightly with cookie crumbs.
Place the box on a newspaper and sprinkle a few of the cookie
crumbs around. Serve with the new scoop. Enjoy!
(Thank you Mike and Linda Will, you are true credits to the
cat-loving population.)
OK... my dear readers.... Real cat lovers won't get grossed
out, right? I thought this was hilarious the first time I
read through it. (I know, I'm warped!)
This is a real recipe with real food, and is a lot of fun
to make and is delicious to eat! But the real fun of
it all is watching the reactions of other people as they
look at for the first time, and then realize what it is.
Their reactions can range from "How GROSS, I can't believe
you'd make such a thing!" to "Oh, isn't that CUTE!" And
everyone wants to know how you made it, etc., etc.
So, go ahead, have a blast, and make this! Then tell me what
kind of reactions you got. Did people really "dig" it?
Let me know the "scoop." Have fun!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 162 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Wed, May 24, 2000 (16:29) * 16 lines
Heartworm Disease
Do you give your cat a heartworm preventative? If not, you
should because heartworms can be deadly. They are literally
worms that live in your cat's heart and lungs! They can
cause permanent damage and even death. For many years, only
dogs were given heartworm preventatives, but now there are
medications for cats. Exposure to heartworms can be a year
round concern, but more so in the summer, as the infection
is spread by mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is 100%
preventable and prevention is much easier and less
expensive than treatment. If your cat is not on a
preventative, please contact your veterinarian as soon as
possible to get her started on one. There are many options
available.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 163 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Thu, May 25, 2000 (13:41) * 13 lines
Cats and Heartworms
Are you trying to figure out the best way to battle
parasites in and on your cat? A new medication is available
to protect your cat from heartworms and other harmful
parasites--Revolution (trademark). This new product is a
simple topical medication that protects your cat from
harmful parasites, both inside and out. Revolution prevents
potentially deadly heartworm disease as well as preventing
and controlling flea infestations. It also treats and
controls ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and ticks. Contact
your vet for more information.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 164 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Fri, May 26, 2000 (17:26) * 16 lines
Herbs for Pets
Do you take any of the popular herbal supplements on the
market today? Maybe you have thought about giving a
supplement to your cat. If so, you will find the book "All
You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets" a treasury of
information. This book will help you learn about holistic
herbalism, natural nutrition, and how to herbally treat
diseases, ailments and medical conditions. Beautifully
photographed and interesting to read, this book would make
a great addition to any cat lover's bookshelf. Visit the
link below for more information.
Click here for more information on the book
http://www.bowtiepress.com/herbspets.asp
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 165 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Fri, May 26, 2000 (17:37) * 145 lines
HEARTWORMS AREN'T JUST FOR DOGS ANYMORE!
Just when you think you've got all your kitty's "normal"
vaccinations and immunizations up to date and under control,
here comes another potential fatal disease to worry about -
feline heartworm infection.
Dogs and cats are both at risk for this infection. The
prevalence of heartworms has steadily increased and now
infects cats in all fifty states.
Heartworms are parasites that live in the heart and lungs of
infected cats. Just one worm can cause permanent damage and
even death. In fact sudden death may be the only sign of
the presence of the disease.
Unfortunately, indoor cats are not safe from this disease.
The infection is transmitted by mosquitoes that can get into
your house. Of the cats who tested positive for heartworms,
55% lived "strictly or mostly indoors."
Here's how it all happens:
--A mosquito bites an infected dog, drawing in a small amount
of blood containing immature larvae.
--This same mosquito then bites a cat, depositing the larvae
on the skin.
--Within only 6 months, heartworms reach the heart and lungs,
causing the disease.
Feline heartworm disease can be difficult to detect and diagnose,
and there is no approved treatment for the infection in cats.
Some signs of the disease include:
--Coughing
--Vomiting
--Breathing difficulty
--Sluggishness
--Sudden death
However, the good news is that the disease is 100% PREVENTABLE
and protection is fairly easy. Ask your vet about available
preventative programs (such as Heartguard for cats) that can be
administered orally once a month and at a reasonable cost.
TRAIN YOUR CAT TO SIT? YES, IT CAN BE DONE!
"Here kitty, kitty! Now sit! That's a good girl!" This
is not a sentence I have ever said to my cat, nor (until
now) did I even think about saying it. But according to
a friend of mine, who knows and reads a lot about cats,
you can teach any cat to sit if you really want to.
The key to success with this lies in repetition, consistency,
and little patience on your part. Of course, to the cat
it's all about food.
Here's the drill:
Put your cat on the table or counter top, with her back
facing the wall. Have in your hand the "bribe," a favorite
food morsel or cat treat (my kitties love Pounce.)
When she gets a good whiff of the treat and shows interest,
raise the treat in a line from her nose to just between her
ears. Speak her name and then give the command "sit."
Hopefully, she will sit - maybe with a little help at first.
Then you can reward her with the treat as you praise and pet
her, and tell her how smart and wonderful she is.
If she isn't interested in the treat, there's no use in
pursuing it at the moment. She may not be hungry, or maybe
you're raising it up too high, or perhaps the goodie just
isn't appealing enough for her.
If you persist often and regularly, say for 10 minutes a day,
your trainable puss will eventually sit for you whenever she's
in the mood for a treat, which may be often if you've got the
right goodie. Then you can impress your friends by showing
them how your trained cat can sit on command.
Now that's a great accomplishment. (I'll let you know how I'm
progressing.) Don't stop at "sit" - there's "roll over,"
"play dead," and even "fetch!"
INCREDIBLE SURVIVING CATS
A FREE-FALLING FELINE:
In the 1970's a cat named Andy lived with his owners on the
sixteenth floor of an apartment building. You guessed it!
One day poor Andy fell out of the window and plummeted down
all 16 stories - that equals nearly 200 feet! (two thirds of
a football field!) Fortunately Andy survived and still holds
the world's record for the longest non-fatal feline fall.
EGYPT OR BUST! I WILL SURVIVE!
Here is a remarkable story that testifies to the fact that
cats are extremely self reliant, adaptable, and just plain
"tough."
One day a female cat was accidentally enclosed inside a
shipping crate full of automotive parts in Detroit, Michigan.
SIX WEEKS LATER the crate was finally opened up in Egypt.
What did they find inside after all that time?
The cat was alive, although pathetically weak - but that's not
all they found. This hardy puss had given birth to a litter of
four healthy kittens! The little family had endured in total
darkness without food or water, but miraculously the mama
cat was able to feed her babies and keep them and herself
alive during the whole ordeal. Truly amazing.
*********
CAT SCRAPS:
WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE COULD BE A RICH CAT:
A few years ago an alley cat named Charlie Chan became the
sole beneficiary of an estate worth over $250,000. It included
a three bedroom house, a seven acre pet cemetery, and a
collection of valuable antiques.
The will also stipulated that when Charlie Chan passed on,
all the proceeds from the sale of the estate must be donated
to several designated humane societies.
Many wealthy, possibly eccentric (?) cat lovers have
bequeathed millions to their surviving beloved cats. I wonder
what the relatives thought about it, if there were any,
especially if they were left out of the will. I will include
a few more stories like this one in future issues. Do YOU know
any rich cats?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 166 of 191: LadyArk (MarciaH) * Sat, May 27, 2000 (13:04) * 13 lines
PETS ON THE WEB
The Feline Diabetes Web site (www.felinediabetes.com) is
an obvious labor of love that is also a unique and thorough
resource for anyone who's trying to cope with a cat diag-
nosed with this disease. The well-organized site is packed
with information on the disease in cats, as well as advice
to make the daily treatment of the animals easier. As
important as anything else on the site is the sense of
community and support -- the folks here are a great bunch!
Feline Diabetes is one of the best pet health sites I've
visited.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 167 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Tue, May 30, 2000 (17:57) * 27 lines
Have you ever thought of having a first aid kit available
in case your cat is injured and needs immediate attention?
It never really occurred to me until one day (before I started
keeping my furry fab four inside) when a dog viciously attacked
Tribble, my beautiful tortoiseshell.
She is okay now, but it would have been helpful to have had
some sort of kit close at hand. I'll share a list of what you'll
need to make up a good pet emergency box.
How about a little cat poetry today? I've got one about a
"high tech" cat I know you'll enjoy (and can identify with.)
Does your cat like to sharpen her claws on the sides of
the box spring of your bed? Or has she clawed her way through
that piece of weird gauze-like material that's supposed to
cover the very bottom of the box spring?
Well, if this is a problem for you, like it was for me, I'll
tell you the simple trick I did to put a end to that nonsense!
And finally today - you knew all along that the cat is THE
most popular pet in America. I have some figures to back
up that claim that you will be delighted to share with all
your dog-owning friends, I'm sure!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 168 of 191: Maggie (sociolingo) * Mon, Jun 19, 2000 (10:51) * 1 lines
*sniff* We were turned down by the RSPCA for homing a kitten because of our postcode! We are on a bus route, but it only runs every 1/2 hour, and apart from some 'rat run' traffic during the rush hour, the road is paractically deserted most of the time. I am so mad about it, that I couldn't write this on Saturday when we heard. We have a couple of other possibilities to follow up, but even one of the charities is asking £30 per kitten (and that's without innoculation, spaying and stuff - the RSPCA fee included that). If I am to socialise our kittens before leaving for Africa in October, and H (daughter 2)beginning work in September then I need to find them SOON. Sorry, I'm upset and fed up by the elitist/class attitude we hit because of where we live.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 169 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Aug 23, 2000 (00:29) * 5 lines
WHAT IS YOUR CAT THINKING?
Is the constant cleaning obsessive-compulsive? What's with that purr? Are
they cool or cold? Take a little trip inside the feline mind to find out.
http://animal.discovery.com/ex/ad/newsletter/cat_guide/cat_guide.html
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 170 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Tue, Nov 14, 2000 (20:49) * 5 lines
This glorious bit of writing from Neil (who will do his own posting frome henceforth)
I've always been tremendously fond of cats--their lithe grace, and cool, confident aloofness. But two of the cats we've had, among many, were an orange, male tabby named Simon, and a Siamese female named Thea who were genuine characters. Simon was a closet beagle, a dog in cat-drag, full of vim and vigor and endlessly mischievous, but he could be as gentle, relaxed, and lazy as an old bloodhound. Thea, on the other hand was a schemer, always trying to figure clever ways of getting more than her share of food. But the best fun we'd ever have with her was when we'd give her catnip. Whereas many cats get a little squirrely on the stuff, Thea got, well..., stoned. She'd sit in the kitchen, flat on her butt, with her back propped up by the corner cupboards she rested against, her tail beneath her, her rear legs sticking out front with her front paws sitting atop her haunches, her head lolling back into the corner, watching imaginary mice on the ceiling, completely blissed-out. We half expected her to say, "Oh
WOW, man!". Instead of a cat, we had a feline Timothy Leary! It was very comical...
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 171 of 191: ark spring (sprin5) * Wed, Dec 13, 2000 (12:22) * 1 lines
Our cat, Petey, hasn't been home for days, and last night we had a horrible ice storm. I'm beginning to suspect Petey went off to the woods to die.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 172 of 191: Charlotte Bridges (Charlotte) * Wed, Dec 13, 2000 (13:16) * 1 lines
Oh that is so sad! Is Petey old...or ill? Why do you suspect he went off to die?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 173 of 191: Marcia (MarciaH) * Fri, Dec 28, 2001 (23:37) * 1 lines
Has Petey returned? Have you a new cat in your life?
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 174 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sat, Dec 29, 2001 (11:50) * 1 lines
Petey has returned.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 175 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Fri, Sep 13, 2002 (14:25) * 49 lines
Here are some excerpts from
http://www.abcbirds.org/cats/wildlife.pdf
"Nationwide, cats are estimated to kill hundreds of millions of birds
and more than a billion small mammals, such as rabbits, chipmunks,
squirrels, and shrews each year. Cats kill not only plentiful animals,
but rare and endangered species for which the loss of even one animal
is significant. The scientific community is increasingly concerned
about cat predation."
"Cats Compete With Native Predators Owned cats have huge advantages
over native predators. They may be afforded some protection from
disease, predation, competition, and starvation, factors which control
native predators such as owls, bobcats, and foxes. Cats with dependable
food supplies are not as vulnerable to changes in prey populations.
Unlike many native predators, cats are not strictly territorial,
keeping members of their own species out of a given area. As a result,
cats can exist at much higher densities and may out-compete native
predators for food."
"Unvaccinated cats can transmit rabies and cats are the domestic
animal most frequently reported rabid to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Cats are also suspected of spreading feline
leukemia
virus to a mountain lion in California and may have infected the
endangered Florida panther with feline distemper. Feline infectious
peritonitis has been diagnosed in mountain lion and lynx, and feline
immunodefic iency virus has been found in Florida panther and bobcat."
"Birds That Seem to Escape Don?t Get Away Unscathed: Contrary to
popular belief that birds and other small animals can be rescued from a
cat attack and get away unharmed, wildlife rehabilitation centers
report that most small animals injured by cats die. Cats carry many
types of bacteria and viruses in their mouths, some of which can be
transmitted to their victims. Even if treatment is administered
immediately, only about 20 percent of these patients survive the
ordeal. A victim that looks perfectly healthy may die from internal
hemorrhaging or injury to vital organs. Wildlife rehabilitation centers
also report that a large percentage of their patients are cat attack
victims and animals orphaned by cats. At Wildlife Rescue, Inc. in Palo
Alto, California, approximately 25 percent of their patients during
May and June 1994 were native cat-c aught birds and almost half were
fledglings. Thirty percent of birds and 20 percent of mammals in
the care of the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in California were caught by
cats. Cat predation of wildlife is especially frustrating to wildlife
rehabilitators. These losses are totally unnecessary because unlike
other predators, pet cats don?t need these animals to survive."
The ABCBirds.org site has links to primary research papers that
support the significance of cat kills to bird populations.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 176 of 191: Cheryl (CherylB) * Tue, Jan 21, 2003 (20:02) * 81 lines
The article below is from the CNN site.
Cloned Cats Aren't Necessarily Copies
By KRISTEN HAYS
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) - Rainbow the cat is a typical calico with splotches of brown, tan and gold on white. Cc, her clone, has a striped gray coat over white.
Rainbow is reserved. Cc is curious and playful.
Rainbow is chunky. Cc is sleek.
Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society might be inclined to say: I told you so. But then, so would cc's creators at Texas A&M University.
Sure, you can clone your favorite cat. But the copy will not necessarily act or even look like the original.
Cc (for carbon copy) is just over a year old. Her birth Dec. 22, 2001, was big news when it was announced last February because it was the first time a household pet had been cloned. Previous mammal clones were barnyard animals like cows and goats.
Cc's creation was funded by Genetic Savings & Clone, a company that hopes to make money from people's desires to duplicate their favorite pets. Last February, in the journal Nature, the A&M researchers published details of the project and DNA test results that showed cc was a clone.
But people who hope cloning will resurrect a pet will be disappointed, said Duane Kraemer, one of A&M's animal cloning experts.
Experts say environment is as important as genes in determining a cat's personality. And as far as appearance, having the same DNA as another calico cat doesn't always produce the same coat pattern.
``This vindicates the opposition we espoused from the beginning, that cloning does not lead to duplication,'' said Pacelle, senior vice president of the Humane Society of the United States.
``Not only does cloning not produce a physical duplicate, but it can never reproduce the behavior or personality of a cat that you want to keep around. There are millions of cats in shelters and with rescue groups that need homes, and the last thing we need is a new production strategy for cats.''
Before the birth of cc, Genetic Savings & Clone had hundreds of pet DNA samples stored at a cost of $895 for healthy animals and $1,395 for sick or dead animals.
Lou Hawthorne, Genetic Savings & Clone chief executive, has estimated that the cost to create a clone will initially be in the low five figures and later drop to the low four figures.
Though cc's arrival sparked a deluge of calls from pet owners, more research is needed to figure out how to produce consistently healthy clones before the company can start doing it commercially, said Ben Carlson, the company's spokesman.
``A year ago, we said we'd start commercial services in a year, and here we are a year later,'' Carlson said. ``It's really impossible for us to make a certain prediction as to how long it's going to take to develop the technology to get successful results.''
There is a demand from dog lovers, but scientists so far have been unable to clone a canine.
In fact, cc's creation was the result of a dog lover, not a cat lover. University of Phoenix founder John Sperling wanted a duplicate of his collie mix, Missy. With his $3.7 million, Texas A&M launched the ``Missyplicity'' project over four years ago.
Now, Missy is dead, euthanized last year because of an inoperable growth on her esophagus. Sperling has redirected his funding to the Sausalito, Calif.-based Genetic Savings & Clone, which he hopes will one day deliver a clone of Missy.
Carlson said the company tells pet owners that cloning won't resurrect their pet and that the company has turned away some customers clearly interested in getting the same animal.
``In the short term, it's easy to exploit that misperception,'' he said. ``But in the long term, it's unethical, and the pet owner will quickly find that, `Hey, this isn't Fluffy, this puppy doesn't recognize me or know all the old tricks.'''
However, he said cloning could reproduce what a pet owner considers to be exceptional genes, particularly from an animal with unknown parentage or one that has been spayed or neutered.
``A small percentage of the population know exactly what they want and they want to stick with it - another animal as similar as possible,'' Carlson said. ``That's the motive we've encountered among our clients.''
But disclaimers could go unheard by pet owners desperate to duplicate an animal, said University of Pennsylvania bioethicist Arthur Caplan, a critic of cloning and companies that purport to sell it.
He said animal lovers bond with pets because of their personalities and behaviors, not the genetic material that defines the immune system or blood type.
``The new cloned dog won't know the old tricks - you have to teach them,'' Caplan said. ``It doesn't matter how many genes they have in common.''
With the Missyplicity funding gone, Texas A&M will continue trying to break new ground in cloning farm animals, wildlife and dogs, but it is finished with cats and any commercial pet venture.
As for cc, the Texas scientists say she has shown no signs of genetic defects.
``She's been perfectly healthy and perfectly a cat ever since her birth,'' Kraemer said. ``That's true of all our clones. You'd have to be told they were cloned in order to know'' they weren't conceived the natural way.
Even so, cc has been protected by a sterile environment, a precaution to make sure she is healthy; visitors are not allowed to pet her.
That will change gradually when she moves into her new home with Kraemer and his wife, Shirley. The Kraemers will introduce her slowly, first exposing her to people who have cats before letting her cavort with their other two felines.
In time, they plan to breed cc and let her produce some carbon copies of her own. But they are looking for just the right tom.
``Our geneticists haven't gotten back with that information,'' Kraemer said.
On the Net:
Texas A&M University's cat cloning announcement:
http://www.tamu.edu/aggiedaily/press/020214cat-pics.html
Genetic Savings & Clone: http://www.savingsandclone.com/
Missyplicity Project: http://www.missyplicity.com
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 177 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Thu, Jan 23, 2003 (14:28) * 1 lines
If they start cloning Aggies, we're in trouble!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 178 of 191: Alpha Wolf (wolf) * Thu, Jan 23, 2003 (20:45) * 1 lines
thanks for that article cheryl!
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 179 of 191: Cheryl (CherylB) * Sat, Jan 25, 2003 (09:39) * 5 lines
You're welcome, Wolfie.
Watch out for those cloned Aggie's, Terry. Mmm, cloning and it's implications to college athletics.
Back to cats, big kitties actually. Some scientists believe that the development of cloning techniques would be of great value in helping preserve the existence of the highly endangered and very rare Florida panther. The panthers really are closely related to all those Fluffys and Toms living in people's homes. Being a variant of the cougar, Florida panthers are scientifically named Felis concolor. Felis is the same genus to which the housecat belongs.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 180 of 191: Cheryl (CherylB) * Wed, Aug 11, 2004 (10:27) * 38 lines
Cat pounces on pilot mid-flight
An escaped pet cat created a scare on a Belgian airliner, forcing the crew to turn back to Brussels 20 minutes into its journey. A "lot of coincidences", as the airline told BBC News Online, ended with the animal running wild in the cockpit and attacking the co-pilot.
The captain ordered the Vienna-bound plane back after about 20 minutes.
SN Brussels Airlines stressed the incident had been a fluke and the crew had observed all safety regulations.
"We 100% support the decision made by the captain," Geert Sciot, the airline's communication vice-president, told the BBC.
Nobody, he said, could tell what an agitated cat what might do in the circumstances, scrabbling around amid the sensitive equipment in the cockpit of the Avro RJ.
"It took a long time to catch it," he noted, describing the offending beast - said by Brussels newspaper La Derniere Heure to be a tom by the name of Gin - as "very aggressive".
Kick theory
As an investigation got under way into Monday's incident, Mr Sciot explained that it appeared to be essentially a freak accident, caused by a series of circumstances:
* the cat's owner was apparently sleeping when it escaped from its travelling bag
* a child in a neighbouring seat may have interfered with the bag, releasing the cat
* nobody alerted the crew before the cat slipped into the cockpit as meals were being served to the crew
The airline spokesman pointed out that the cat aboard Flight SN 2905, travelling from Oslo via Brussels to Vienna, was being conveyed in accordance with international regulations.
These allow for a single pet weighing no more then five kilos to be carried in a suitable piece of luggage in the cabin.
He stressed, too, that the cockpit had been open for no more than "five to 10" seconds, in respect of safety guidelines brought in after the 11 September 2001 hijackings over America.
The pet's owner had some questions to answer back on the ground as the other 57 passengers were put on another flight but no action was taken against the cat itself.
"It's a very nice animal but apparently, sometimes, an aggressive one," said Mr Sciot, noting that the cat had "travelled a lot" as its owner went to cat exhibitions.
One possible reason for the creature's sudden fit of fury may have been an unconfirmed report that it was "kicked by somebody in business class" on its way through the cabin, he added.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3551672.stm
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 181 of 191: Alpha Wolf (wolf) * Wed, Aug 11, 2004 (22:46) * 1 lines
poor kittycat....guess they couldn't catch him since they were harnessed in their seats! thought animals had to be in hard carriers that fit under the seat in front of them......thanks for the story.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 182 of 191: Cheryl (CherylB) * Thu, Aug 12, 2004 (16:54) * 1 lines
Wolfie, I think that's true for U.S. carriers, but European airlines might allow cats and small dogs to be placed in small carry-on bags; hopefully with, at least, one airhole for Fluffy or Fido to breathe properly.
Topic 14 of 58 [SpringArk]: Cats
Response 183 of 191: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sun, Aug 15, 2004 (10:43) * 1 lines
"Blackie" died, a stray that had been visiting. In the middle of the garage on the concrete, so I sc
