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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Tootercat on June 14, 2004, at 20:55:28
In reply to Re: please explain my cat's behavior, posted by deirdrehbrt on June 14, 2004, at 20:21:46
I am a believer in things outside of 'ordinary' explanation.....Maybe you should consult a pet psychic. There's one on tv ...maybe she has a website and you can email her....don't give her all the details about your baby and see if she describes him......Just a thought. Sorry I can't remember her name but she is on the Animal Planet station alot.,
Hugs,
Tooter
Posted by pegasus on June 14, 2004, at 23:07:18
In reply to Re: please explain my cat's behavior, posted by shadows721 on June 14, 2004, at 20:11:03
When I was a kid we had a male cat that would wait until we were all out of the house and then go down to the laundry room in the basement and bring up dirty socks. While he did this he would howl as if in pain. He would deposit the socks in the living room, and then go down for more. Sometimes we'd come home from church to find every dirty sock in the house in the living room. Every now and then if I stayed up late reading quietly, I'd catch him at it. He'd freeze and drop the sock as soon as he saw me.
While I can't explain this, it does sound similar to what others have described. And it seems to be mainly male cats who do this. Maybe it's a hunting simulation thing? Or maybe they're just trying to be mysterious?
pegasus
Posted by ghost on June 15, 2004, at 0:36:53
In reply to Re: please explain my cat's behavior, posted by shadows721 on June 14, 2004, at 20:11:03
my family has a female cat who used to have a stuffed fish she'd carry around yowling. it was like she had something to say and was trying so hard to get us to understand her. she loved that fish. she took such good care of it. she wore its cloth off until it was a ball of stuffing she carried around... until one day my mother accidentally sucked it up with the vacuum cleaner hose. that poor cat wandered around for days looking forlorn and lost, yowling for her stuffed fish. my mother bought her a couple of new fish (but of course, they weren't the same)... none of them ever really replaced the original fish in her heart (you can tell), but she still carries them around and yowls... just without the same passion as when she did with the first fishie. i guess your first born is always your favorite.
i have no explanations, but i don't think there's anything wrong with your cat. i think he just has some motherly instincts. i think it's cool.
Posted by daisym on June 15, 2004, at 0:44:24
In reply to Re: please explain my cat's behavior » shadows721, posted by ghost on June 15, 2004, at 0:36:53
We have a male cat who does this when someone is missing from home. We have three cats - a boy and girl from the same litter and a new addition 2 yrs ago, another male. The youngest one is, ummm, not the smartest cat I've met, but silly and playful. Our older orange guy is the family guard. He just goes nuts about 10pm and a kid is missing. I thought when I son moved to college this cat would never shut up!
Maybe your kitty is looking for someone or something. Just a thought...
Posted by Angel Girl on June 15, 2004, at 4:28:35
In reply to Anyone have pets?, posted by Catgirl on June 14, 2004, at 19:56:21
Hi catgirl
Love your name btw. I have 2 male cats that I love very much. They are my babies. If it weren't for them, I KNOW I wouldn't be here today. They keep me alive because I know they need me. What would happen to them if I weren't here? I could never do that to them. They give me unconditional love and don't care what I look like or that I'm BP. All they care about is that I love them, which I do with all my heart.
Sometimes there is nothing better than to cuddle with a fluffy cat that purrs.
AG
Posted by partlycloudy on June 15, 2004, at 7:38:51
In reply to Anyone have pets?, posted by Catgirl on June 14, 2004, at 19:56:21
I lived with a fabulous diabetic kitty for years. He was an indoor cat, so it was relatively easy to control his food intake. When I'd get his insulin out of the fridge, he'd start to drool because he knew that meant food was coming! BTW he lived to a ripe age of 17.
Currently I have a little girl kitty we got from the pound, name of Psycho. No kidding. This was before I got my dx, even! She follows me around the house dutifully, and loves to play catch with ping pong balls. She lies on her side and catches them with both paws, then throws them away (I say away rather than back at me!!). imagine what she could do with opposing thumbs.
She's a fine companion.
Posted by Angel Girl on June 15, 2004, at 7:57:40
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets? » Catgirl, posted by partlycloudy on June 15, 2004, at 7:38:51
> I lived with a fabulous diabetic kitty for years. He was an indoor cat, so it was relatively easy to control his food intake. When I'd get his insulin out of the fridge, he'd start to drool because he knew that meant food was coming! BTW he lived to a ripe age of 17.
>
> Currently I have a little girl kitty we got from the pound, name of Psycho. No kidding. This was before I got my dx, even! She follows me around the house dutifully, and loves to play catch with ping pong balls. She lies on her side and catches them with both paws, then throws them away (I say away rather than back at me!!). imagine what she could do with opposing thumbs.
>
> She's a fine companion.Does her name suit her personality? I think cats make the best companions, especially when you're not feeling well. Well, of course, I'm biased and I have a dog phobia so I couldn't say dogs make the best companions. I'm sure all the dog people will disagree with me though. I wouldn't trade my 2 kitties for anything. They're my children. :D
AG
Posted by partlycloudy on June 15, 2004, at 8:35:18
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets?, posted by Angel Girl on June 15, 2004, at 7:57:40
The name is a funny story. At the pound, the paperwork on her cage said her name was Precious, but something else had been crossed out. I asked the volunteer what name she'd been brought in with and why it was changed. She told me her name was Psycho but they didn't think she'd get adopted with that monicker. Sure enough, when you called her Psycho, she looked up at me.
She sees fairies and ghosties and chases them all over the house. And she stalks her ping pong balls. Mostly she races from one end of the house to the other like she's being chased by a dog.
Making her purr is extremely rewarding. I feel like it's a gift. My previous cat purred at the sight of me, but he also purred at the sight of food, so I think he was rather insincere. For a cat.
Posted by TexasChic on June 15, 2004, at 9:09:14
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets?, posted by Angel Girl on June 15, 2004, at 7:57:40
I can't wait until I move out and can get a cat. I had one for 11 years that was just like a part of the family. One day she just dissappeared (she was an indoor/outdoor cat). I must have visited the humane society everyday for months. I put up fliers and ads in the paper. That was one of the worst times of my life. Its when I finally asked my doctor for antidepressents. I live with my Grandmother and she is very adament about no more pets. So when I move out, that may be the first thing I do.
Posted by AuntieMel on June 15, 2004, at 18:45:35
In reply to Re: please explain my cat's behavior, posted by shadows721 on June 14, 2004, at 20:11:03
No way to explain behavior. They're all different.
I have one that that will walk along, stop, hiss at something that isn't there and continue walking.
I have another one that is afraid of his tail.
Posted by Catgirl on June 15, 2004, at 18:57:56
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets? » Catgirl, posted by partlycloudy on June 15, 2004, at 7:38:51
> I lived with a fabulous diabetic kitty for years. He was an indoor cat, so it was relatively easy to control his food intake. When I'd get his insulin out of the fridge, he'd start to drool because he knew that meant food was coming! BTW he lived to a ripe age of 17.
>
> Currently I have a little girl kitty we got from the pound, name of Psycho. No kidding. This was before I got my dx, even! She follows me around the house dutifully, and loves to play catch with ping pong balls. She lies on her side and catches them with both paws, then throws them away (I say away rather than back at me!!). imagine what she could do with opposing thumbs.
>
> She's a fine companion.Thanks for the response! I'm so glad to hear from someone that has experience with a diabetic cat, especially one that lived to 17! Mine is 10 and has been diagnosed for 2 years now. My biggest problem is that he doesn't do well when I have to leave him overnight(for work travel,vacation, etc.). The last time I was gone for a few days, he went on a hunger strike and almost died! $4,000 spent on the kitty ICU and he is fine now but I can't afford that again! : )
Posted by partlycloudy on June 15, 2004, at 19:22:34
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets?, posted by Catgirl on June 15, 2004, at 18:57:56
My vet helped me find a tech who would catsit while I was away in order to keep the feedings and insulin on schedule. You might want to enquire.
Or perhaps there are catsitting services that can do this. I would say that unfortunately, these kitties need the timed attention we give them when we are home, all the time.
When he'd go in for glucose curves, they'd be absolutely straight when the insulin and cat food was right. He was ravenous, though. He'd come running (the ONLY time he'd run!) at the sound of a green pepper being cut, or a canteloupe being scooped. The first time I found a loaf of bread all chewed up on the floor I thought we had rats. But it was my kitty (found him dragging the remnants throughout the house.) Fiber is OK (mine liked pumpkin or squash), but stay away from high sugar or high calorie foods. And if you give him treats, adjust his food too.
Sorry, I realize you didn't ask for all that, but he did live a long time and it was mostly due to the good advice I got!
What's your kitty's name?
Posted by Poet on June 15, 2004, at 23:41:53
In reply to Anyone have pets?, posted by Catgirl on June 14, 2004, at 19:56:21
Hi Catgirl,
Three cats. One is diabetic- two injections per day, so I totally get how hard it is to go away for too long. He's eight and has been on insulin for 2 1/2 years.
I used to take him to the vet for glucose curves, but he got "aggressive" and the vet decided that I should try it at home. Honestly, is biting one vet tech and peeing on another really aggressive? I'd be tempted to bite if somebody came at me with a needle every two hours. He doesn't like it when I do it, but I usually can get three or four draws before he gets mad. The vet actually calculates the curve and insulin dose, I call her with the info.
My tenant used to kitty sit for us, now we have a single family home, so I'll probably have to get a vet tech. Hopefully not the ones he had issues with.
Poet
Posted by Angel Girl on June 16, 2004, at 3:31:09
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets? » Angel Girl, posted by partlycloudy on June 15, 2004, at 8:35:18
> The name is a funny story. At the pound, the paperwork on her cage said her name was Precious, but something else had been crossed out. I asked the volunteer what name she'd been brought in with and why it was changed. She told me her name was Psycho but they didn't think she'd get adopted with that monicker. Sure enough, when you called her Psycho, she looked up at me.
>
> She sees fairies and ghosties and chases them all over the house. And she stalks her ping pong balls. Mostly she races from one end of the house to the other like she's being chased by a dog.
>
> Making her purr is extremely rewarding. I feel like it's a gift. My previous cat purred at the sight of me, but he also purred at the sight of food, so I think he was rather insincere. For a cat.
>
pcMaybe she was named Psycho before because of all the mad running around she does. I actually have a cat that does that too. I remember when he was first brought here by a friend, she let him down and he automatically tore through my apartment like a bolt of lightning for quite awhile. I was SHOCKED!!! I remember thinking 'what have I gotten myself into here!!!'. Most cats are very weary of new surroundings and it takes them awhile to get used to them as they gingerly scope out all the rooms with their nooks and cranies. Anyway, we kept this kitten and my son named him 'Capone'. He's very much a character.
Speaking of the purring, I had to take Capone in for surgery one time and my vet discovered he had a heart murmur (I guess that's why we got him for free) so he was feeing very uneasy about performing the surgery without him being throughly examined at a specialized animal hospital. So, I took him there and they were *trying* to check out his heart beat but they were having an extremely hard time because they couldn't hear it over his purring. Seems cats purr when they're afraid too. I never knew that before.
Even though I've had to endure some of his shananigans, I love him to pieces. I wouldn't trade him for anything.
AG
Posted by Angel Girl on June 16, 2004, at 3:47:48
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets?, posted by TexasChic on June 15, 2004, at 9:09:14
> I can't wait until I move out and can get a cat. I had one for 11 years that was just like a part of the family. One day she just dissappeared (she was an indoor/outdoor cat). I must have visited the humane society everyday for months. I put up fliers and ads in the paper. That was one of the worst times of my life. Its when I finally asked my doctor for antidepressents. I live with my Grandmother and she is very adament about no more pets. So when I move out, that may be the first thing I do.
TexasChicI'm sorry for the loss of your cat. I know how devastating that can be. I had 2 cats prior to the 2 I have now. They both lived to a ripe old age of 18 but when it was their times to die, I was totally devastated. I had my son take pics of me holding the last cat I had to have put down the day before. I look absolutely horrible. The depression is extremely obvious in my face. That cat was my baby. I've never been so traumatized by the death of an animal more than when I had to have him put down. It took me a VERY long time to get over it and it's now been about 5 years and although I have 2 wonderful cats now that I absolutely adore, I still miss my Jasper. No cat can ever replace him. They're all different with their own personalities. Of course, it doesn't mean I love the 2 I have now any less. Losing a dear pet companion can be extremely hard to do.
Do you have any idea when you are planning on moving out? I hope you find the most wonderful and loving kitty that you both can share the companionship with. :)
AG
Posted by Mochakitty on June 16, 2004, at 4:07:22
In reply to Re: please explain my cat's behavior, posted by deirdrehbrt on June 14, 2004, at 20:21:46
My cat is my only friend. Thankfully she is healthy, a bit obese has a tiny bit of gingivitis.Haven't had ana ctual friend in 13 years when I dropped out of college. in college I can only think of 2 people I was "friendly" with. They put up with me. I am very unlikable..people alwya hostile towards me. Not my cat. Loves me unconditionally ,uses me as a n electric blanket durinthe cold months. ALmost always sleeps in the same room i am in, and will often sleep on my legs when i am on the sofa, even if she were sleeping somewher else in the room. Only problem is I can't move my legs!!!Will have to leave her in the house for a couple of weeks to check up on my dad who has stocmach cancer. Hope my sister doesn't forget to check in and feed her and clean out the litter box.
Posted by Angel Girl on June 16, 2004, at 10:39:35
In reply to Re: please explain my cat's behavior » shadows721, posted by AuntieMel on June 15, 2004, at 18:45:35
> No way to explain behavior. They're all different.
>
> I have one that that will walk along, stop, hiss at something that isn't there and continue walking.
>
> I have another one that is afraid of his tail.I'm sorry, I just had to laugh. Those are two strange cats but you gotta love them. :D
AG
Posted by Angel Girl on June 16, 2004, at 10:59:41
In reply to Re: please explain my cat's behavior, posted by Mochakitty on June 16, 2004, at 4:07:22
> My cat is my only friend. Thankfully she is healthy, a bit obese has a tiny bit of gingivitis.Haven't had ana ctual friend in 13 years when I dropped out of college. in college I can only think of 2 people I was "friendly" with. They put up with me. I am very unlikable..people alwya hostile towards me. Not my cat. Loves me unconditionally ,uses me as a n electric blanket durinthe cold months. ALmost always sleeps in the same room i am in, and will often sleep on my legs when i am on the sofa, even if she were sleeping somewher else in the room. Only problem is I can't move my legs!!!Will have to leave her in the house for a couple of weeks to check up on my dad who has stocmach cancer. Hope my sister doesn't forget to check in and feed her and clean out the litter box.
MochakittyI'm sorry to hear you don't have any friends and haven't in a long time. You're not alone on that, I'm in the same position. I have 2 cats and what's nice about cats is that they give you unconditional love no matter what mood you're in. I don't know what I would do without my 2 kittys. I do know that they are the only reason that I didn't commit suicide. Where would they go and who could possibly love them more than me? I couldn't put them through that.
I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I hope he will be ok soon.
As far as your sister remembering to look after your kitty, if it were me, I'd be constantly phoning her. If I didn't do that, I'd be constantly worrying. Hugs sweetie.
AG
Posted by TexasChic on June 16, 2004, at 14:17:53
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets? » TexasChic, posted by Angel Girl on June 16, 2004, at 3:47:48
Thanks Angel Girl. I was pretty traumatized over the loss of my cat. I still cry if I see a picture of her and its been several years.
As far as moving out, its as soon as I can get through the clutter and get packed. I'm going to make a genuine attempt at it this weekend. I really can't wait and have been kind of living in a dreamworld of the future. You know, when you imagine everything will be better once you get to that point – I'll start exercising, I'll be organized, I'll have more friends, etc. So its time for me to get with it! I wish I could just skip over the middle stuff and get to where I'm already moved in. Unfortunately I'm not a time traveler.
Posted by Catgirl on June 16, 2004, at 16:39:26
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets? » Catgirl, posted by partlycloudy on June 15, 2004, at 19:22:34
> My vet helped me find a tech who would catsit while I was away in order to keep the feedings and insulin on schedule. You might want to enquire.
>
> Or perhaps there are catsitting services that can do this. I would say that unfortunately, these kitties need the timed attention we give them when we are home, all the time.
>
> When he'd go in for glucose curves, they'd be absolutely straight when the insulin and cat food was right. He was ravenous, though. He'd come running (the ONLY time he'd run!) at the sound of a green pepper being cut, or a canteloupe being scooped. The first time I found a loaf of bread all chewed up on the floor I thought we had rats. But it was my kitty (found him dragging the remnants throughout the house.) Fiber is OK (mine liked pumpkin or squash), but stay away from high sugar or high calorie foods. And if you give him treats, adjust his food too.
>
> Sorry, I realize you didn't ask for all that, but he did live a long time and it was mostly due to the good advice I got!
>
> What's your kitty's name?
>Thanks for the reply! My kitty's name is Toby. Actually, the ICU incident happened when he was being fed and injected by a pet sitter. My soon-to-be ex-husband is going to take care of him at his place the next time I go out of town. I'm worried that he won't eat there, due to the new surroundings. We'll see--it's a short trip so if it doesn't go well I can get him back in a couple of days.
He doesn't get glucose curves anymore because he has such severe "vet stress" that it was useless. The vet now checks his fructosamine, whatever that is!
It sounds like your cat had cravings for very strange things! I've never heard of a cat eating bread. My cat gets nothing but his diabetic cat food and the occasional Pounce hairball treat; which I know is not really good for him, but neither is barfing up hairballs! ;)
What type of insuline did your cat require?
Posted by partlycloudy on June 17, 2004, at 7:10:28
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets?, posted by Catgirl on June 16, 2004, at 16:39:26
He was on Lente insulin, the same as prescribed for human animals.
He would pretty much try to eat anything we liked. The only food he would actually turn away from was onions. Loved lasagna (Garfield is onto something).
He was such a lovey dovey cat, a trusting and sweet soul. I miss him.
Posted by Angel Girl on June 18, 2004, at 10:00:47
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets?, posted by TexasChic on June 16, 2004, at 14:17:53
> Thanks Angel Girl. I was pretty traumatized over the loss of my cat. I still cry if I see a picture of her and its been several years.
>
> As far as moving out, its as soon as I can get through the clutter and get packed. I'm going to make a genuine attempt at it this weekend. I really can't wait and have been kind of living in a dreamworld of the future. You know, when you imagine everything will be better once you get to that point – I'll start exercising, I'll be organized, I'll have more friends, etc. So its time for me to get with it! I wish I could just skip over the middle stuff and get to where I'm already moved in. Unfortunately I'm not a time traveler.
TexasChicTime travelling? That does sound wonderful, doesn't it? I guess that's the way life is, you have to go through the middle stuff to really appreciate where you end up.
AG
Posted by Camille Dumont on June 20, 2004, at 17:23:28
In reply to Anyone have pets?, posted by Catgirl on June 14, 2004, at 19:56:21
I've had up to 6 rats at a time. Now I'm down to only four but they are the light of my life. Then they come up to me and lick my fingers, when they sniff inside my ear and their whiskers tickle me ... when they just lay there as I scratch them, almost hypnotized in extasy ... and brux their little heads out ... nothing makes me happyer ... absolutely nothing on earth beats knowing that you've made a little creature utterly content and happy.
I'd say me not having comitted suicide in the past years has more to do with those little guys than with the meds or therapy.
Posted by Angel Girl on June 21, 2004, at 13:46:23
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets?, posted by Camille Dumont on June 20, 2004, at 17:23:28
> I've had up to 6 rats at a time. Now I'm down to only four but they are the light of my life. Then they come up to me and lick my fingers, when they sniff inside my ear and their whiskers tickle me ... when they just lay there as I scratch them, almost hypnotized in extasy ... and brux their little heads out ... nothing makes me happyer ... absolutely nothing on earth beats knowing that you've made a little creature utterly content and happy.
>
> I'd say me not having comitted suicide in the past years has more to do with those little guys than with the meds or therapy.
CamilleFirstly, sorry but I have to say eeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!! re: your rats BUT
I totally agree with your last comment. If it weren't for my 2 cats I would've killed myself a long time ago. I haven't been suicidal for a long time but the feelings did come back last night and then I saw my 2 kittys. I love them to pieces but sometimes I wish I didn't have them so that I could just end it all. I'm so tired of this poor excuse of a life. I'd rather not be here at all. I have nothing to look forward to, I don't even remember what it's like to be happy and I highly doubt that I'll ever find out again. I just can't do that to my kitties. They need me and they're both very young still so I guess I have to endure this poor pathetic excuse of a life of depression for quite some time. That makes me even more depressed. :(
AG
Posted by justyourlaugh on June 21, 2004, at 14:11:08
In reply to Re: Anyone have pets? » Camille Dumont, posted by Angel Girl on June 21, 2004, at 13:46:23
hi ,
my girls have two rats...
in the begining i was all over them but they started to prefer me..
so i backed off and allowed them to love and bond with each other..
they are so smart...the kids promised me i get the next pet!
jyl
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