Cats Are Great Pets

In fact, to say Tia didn't like the cattery could be an understatement!

She wasn't impressed at all with the trip in the car, which was about thirty minutes, and let us know it, loudly, for most of the journey.

The cat unit she was in had two levels, the top one for sleeping, with pads and a blanket, to which I added her own blanket. There was a branch attached to it, which acted as a climbing rail, and a scratching post. On the lower level were the litter tray, and food and water bowls, with good space between.

Everything looked fine, and I've used this cattery before, for other cats, so we left, feeling we'd done the best we could for Tia.

Halfway through our holiday, we received a call from the cattery - Tia wasn't eating well, and they were concerned about her, and wanted to know if we had any tips to get her to eat. I'd already supplied some of her own food, so all I could recommend was that they give her some warm milk, which she loves, and stroke her head when giving her the food.

It seemed to help a little, and when we picked her up, although she'd lost some weight, she was soon back to her usual self. For the first few days, though, she'd hardly let me out of her sight! It will be a while before we go away again for more than a couple of days, so she's safe from the cattery for now!

Well, yes, I'm afraid so.

We're off to New Zealand for a break, and after much thought, have decided to put Tia into a cattery this time, instead of having someone feed her at home.

The reason for this is that she's getting old, and there are a lot of cats around here who are trying to take over her territory. One tomcat in particular has taken to coming in through the cat door, stealing her food, and spraying the hall as a thankyou. He even gets up on the kitchen bench and steals the chickens' scraps.

It wouldn't be very safe to leave Tia in these circumstances, so although she's never been in a cattery before, it will be much better for her to be safe while we are away.

Needless to say, I've chosen a cattery I've used in the past, so I know she'll be looked after.

Tia cried in the car, all the way to the cattery, which was a bit upsetting. She wasn't impressed at all with being left there, but the lady who looked after her was petting her, so hopefully she'll settle in ok.

Hope she forgives me when I pick her up after the holiday.........

It's finally winter here in the Southern Hemisphere, and the weather is now getting colder. Wish it would get wetter as well, because we're still in a drought.

Cats are looking for warm places to rest, and Tia is no exception. During the day, she is often to be found in any patch of sunlight that is there. Not that there has been much the past few days, but there hasn't been much rain either. Cats are always able to find the best spots to stay comfortable and warm, though.

As she's now getting a bit older, 9 plus, I encourage her to stay inside as much as possible, and at the moment, she doesn't need much encouragement. She's become a little more fond of sitting on my lap, but won't stay there more than an hour, at most, before becoming restless and jumping off.

Do try and keep your cat indoors, especially if it's raining, as animals are susceptible to colds and flu, just like us. Cat flu can be a killer, so take good care of your pet.

With Autumn well under way, the weather is cooling down fast, especially at night.
This means cats will be looking for warm dry places to sleep.

When we came home from the market this afternoon, Tia was nowhere to be seen in the garden. Normally she appears to greet us.

Once inside, she was soon discovered - curled up in a warm corner of the couch. Cats certainly are hedonistic!

Mostly she stays there quietly, but around 4pm, she usually lets us know that it is now Cat Meal Time, and food is to be supplied forthwith. We all know who runs this house.......

Does your cat like vacuum cleaners? Mine doesn't. As soon as she sees the cleaner being got out of the cupboard, she starts getting worried. Once it's turned on, she shoots outside and isn't seen again until it's turned off.

Maybe it's the noise; perhaps it sounds really horrendous to a cat, because they do have much better hearing than we do. Maybe it's the vibration - who knows?

I've heard that some cats, and dogs, are actually happy to play with the dreadful machines, but have never seen it for myself. Have you?

This week was the one a year check up and innoculation visit to the vet. if Tia could speak, I'm sure she would have said, "Oh no, not the vet again!" She really hates going there, and gets a bit stressed. Can't say I blame her, because I feel the same about the dentist! :-)

Except for a bit of gum inflammation, and a slight weight loss, which we attributed to the hot weather, and her recent illness, all was fine.

Bought some special tooth cleaning crunchy food to improve the gum and tooth health, got her wormed, and also purchased a six month supply of flee and worm prevention ointment, the kind that goes on the back of the neck.

Vets aren't cheap, but Tia's worth it. She got a special treat of chicken breast today, and I have to admin to giving her some of mine as well, since she asked so nicely! :-)
Guess I'm just a big softie..........

Usually when I tell people that my cat's name is Tia, they immediately think of the liqueur. It's nothing to do with the drink at all.

Going to the library one day, I saw someone opening a tin of cat food, and giving it to this scrawny, every-rib-showing cat. When I came out, the cat was still there, and I could see that she was pregnant. The poor thing was crying out for affection, but was also somewhat nervy. Not surprising.

Anyway, the next day, Sunday, I went back to the library to see if the cat was still around. Finding her, I managed to pick her up, put her in the cat box I'd brought, and took her home. My other cat was not amused!

The local animal shelter wouldn't take her, because they didn't deal with my council - what a cop-out! I decided to keep her.

Then came the next problem - what should I call her?

It turned out to be easy, as I'd just returned an Anne McCaffrey book to the library, and the heroine happened to be called "Tia", which is short for Hepatia.

Haven't heard the name before? Hepatia was the first female librarian at the famous Alexandria library, and also the last ever librarian there. She was killed by the barbarians, trying to defend the library against them.

Since I'd found the little cat at the library entrance, it seemed to me to be a very apt name. She's now had it for just over eight years, and actually comes when called (sometimes). :-)

It happens to all of us who have pets - they get sick sometimes.

One day last week, Tia vomited after eating her breakfast, and then just sat around looking sorry for herself. Her coat was staring as well, and when I touched her, she growled and moaned, obviously in pain. She wouldn't eat or drink.

Of course, I immediately rang our vet, and was lucky enough to get an appointment within the hour. Just enough time to clean up the cat-carrier, and get Tia into it, and myself ready.

We didn't have to wait long at the vets, and soon Tia was being examined, a process she didn't enjoy at all, especially the part with the thermometer. I won't say where it went, but pet owners will know!

She also went into the back room to have blood tests, and a urine sample taken - no doubt these were very unpleasant procedures. She has a shaved patch on her throat now.

As she had a temperature, and we needed to wait 24 hours for the results of the blood and urine tests, Tia was given an injection of antibiotic and also a painkiller which would last for some time.

To her relief, we then went home, somewhat lighter in the hip pocket, that's for sure!

The next day, she seemed a little better, and ate a few mouthfuls of food, and had a little warm milk. The pain seemed to be reduced also.

When the results of the tests came in, her liver function was elevated, but not enormously, so we decided to leave it for a couple of days and see what eventuated.

She's back to herself now, with no further treatment. What it was, we don't know. Perhaps it was a furball, as she's moulting her winter coat at the moment (We're in Australia) and it may have caused a temporary blockage. She won't let me brush her - hates it, for some reason.

Anyway, I've got a happy, healthy cat again, although at nine years old, it did take a lot out of her. Hopefully it won't happen again.

Personally, I feed my cat twice a day, morning and evening, although have to admit to giving treats, such as a slice of turkey, or a bowl of milk at other times.

Tia, my cat, doesn't bother eating very much in summer, although in winter, she looks like a little furball. Of course, much of this could be her very thick coat.

The type of food you give your cat can make a big difference to their health. Make sure they get a balanced diet.

In the morning, I feed tinned meat or fish, plus a small amount of dried food, and in the evening, some diced beef. This is so that she can clean her teeth on it whilst chewing. Also give her some more dried food, which is available overnight, or until it's finished.

I try to vary the varieties of canned food, so that the cat doesn't become bored with any one thing.

Don't overfeed your pet - this can be almost as bad as not feeding it at all. Remember, cats do need to be fed - please do not expect it to feed itself by killing wildlife or stealing. It's your pet, and your responsibility.

Tia is still being brave, and chasing cats out of the
yard, especially when I'm around.

The other night, a cat, probably Old Tom, had the temerity to actually enter our bedroom, and I've never heard Tia growl like that before. She took off after him like a rocket.

Poor Old Tom is looking very bedraggled and lean at the moment, and for some reason is now afraid of me. I think someone must have hurt him or really scared him.

At least he can sneak in at night and eat Tia's leftovers, and if I can manage to get near him, I pet him and give him extras. It's really all I can do for him, poor thing, but he can move in if he really wants to.

While working on my PC, heard a chicken cluck loudly, and there was a cat from next door, chasing it. Was about to get up and go outside to chase it away, when the cat took off like a rocket, with my timid cat Tia in hot pursuit.

Had to admire her, protecting her territory and her chickens, as she's not much of a fighter.

Later we had two cats from next door upsetting the chickens again, and mounted a combined operation to chase them away. Must have worked, as they haven't been back again today.

Yes, it's true, I'm missing that tomcat howling during the night. It's been a while since they've visited my garden and kept us awake. Even Old Tom hasn't been around, so hopefully he's alright.

Tia is enjoying having her garden to herself most of the time, although the cats from next door come and play in the bushes often. Wish they wouldn't roll on my prized plants though! Guess cats have got to be cats.........

Hadn't seen old Tom for a while, but it had been all quiet in the garden for a few nights, so thought it was ok.

A couple of nights ago, saw OT in the garden, with some new scratches and nasty bites on his head - wish he'd learn he's old and small, and can't win around here, poor thing.

Anyway, later he came into the house and had a few bites of food, but mostly wanted to cuddle up and strop my legs. He's such a friendly animal, and I can't understand why his people don't look after him properly.

Tia and he don't seem to have a problem, and she justs sits quietly watching whilst he's in the house. At least that's one cat he doesn't have to fight! :-)

Yep, Poor Old Tom is still around, and I think he wants to move in, or at least, share himself with us and whoever owns him.

For the last couple of nights, he's come in through the cat door after we've gone to bed, and I've found him sleeping on my cat's favourite chair in the morning. She's been sleeping on the bed!

He does look old and battle-torn, doesn't he? He's very thin too, but has been eating here occasionally.

Today, I'm a little concerned about poor old Tom - he hasn't been seen in my garden, and yesterday I noticed that he had a nasty bite wound on his front leg. Hope he's alright.

Why haven't his owners done something about it? Don't they care? Do they just put his food on the front step and if he gets it fine, and if some other cat eats it, they wouldn't know?

I get so angry about this type of thing, but I can't afford to take him to the vet: I'm on a pension. If I see him again, perhaps I'll call the animal ambulance charity we have here. Although they may put him down, which is why I'm holding off on it.

Some people shouldn't have pets! Their animals are spending all night in my front garden, fighting, howling, damaging plants, and leaving droppings behind. Very smelly on a hot day.....

Anyway, why don't the owners keep their cats in at night? My girl is inside, so I know she isn't being torn to pieces by the mob outside. Sometimes, there are half a dozen cats spread around the front yard.

The one I feel sorry for is a thin old tabby tomcat. Haven't got the heart to chase him away when I see him - his face is battle-scarred, and he looks as if he's seen it all.

I'd like to give him a good feed and a cuddle, but he's afraid of people, it seems. Wonder if he's homeless? He doesn't look starving, just thin, and maybe that's because of all the exercise he's getting, chasing the girls, and fighting the boys.

Can't help feeling sorry for him, even though he's got the loudest voice around! Poor old cat.......

Feeling somewhat ashamed of myself at the moment. This afternoon, I've been searching for a particular graphic that I wanted, and couldn't find, so was trying to create my own, and getting very frustrated with the results.

Into the study came my poor innocent cat, meowing for attention, which she usually gets.......

Not this time! Hitting the desk with my hand, I just yelled "Shut up!" at her, and the poor girl swiftly turned and ran out of the room.

Needless to say, I followed her, and petted her, but I think I'd better give her a treat tonight! :-)

Today is cold and wet - my cat has decided to stay inside and snooze on the beanbag, when she's not in the study demanding attention.

Earlier today, I'd planned on doing the vacuuming to freshen up the carpets a bit, but the cat hates the thing. What to do?

Yep, you guessed it! Today I didn't vacuum; today I actually swept up the bits and pieces with a hand brush and shovel. What some people will do for their pets. What a weak willed person I am, but never mind, the cat's happy. :-)

All people who share their lives with a cat will know just how true this is - cats are the bosses. No way around it, just ask your puss.

You know what they say: "Dogs come when you call them, cats take a message and might get back to you later"

Very true - haven't you seen your cat's ears flick when you called it, but absolutely no movement towards you at all. Sometimes they even go in the opposite direction. It's all part of the attraction of cats.

I don't know about your cat, but mine has a very thick winter coat, and in spring, really has a hard time of it, with furballs. That's when I try to give her a really good diet, and make sure she has access to plenty of fresh grass. A cat knows when to eat it, but they need to be able get it.

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Of course, it's best if you brush your cat, so the problem doesn't happen, but if you have a pet like my girl, you can't do it. She runs and hides when she sees the brush in my hand, and fights if I catch her. Don't know what happened before I got her, but it certainly traumatised her against being brushed.

One of my favourite pics of Tia. Of course, one never manages to have a camera handy when the best poses are being made.

Since my earliest memories, there's always been a cat in my life. I was thinking about this earlier, and realised that not one of those many cats has died naturally.

It's unfortunate, but some disappeared, some were hit by cars, a few became ill and had to be put to sleep. It isn't from lack of care, because they've all been much loved parts of the family. I guess it's because cats have a great curiosity about the world, and so put themselves in harm's way.

Tia, whose picture you'll see at the top of the page, is now about eight years old. She mostly stays close to home, but coming home at night I occasionally catch her crossing the road to get home before I do.

Anyone know how to train cats to stay in the garden? I've tried, but she only stays there when I'm around, I think. Miss independence!