Conference misery::feline_v1

    
    Marilyn:
    
    So glad to hear Sam is doing well and is adjusting to his new
    home. It will take time for the Tiffany and Otis to adjust
    but I'm sure they will be fine in a few days, once they realize
    Sam is there to stay.
    
    Sam sounds like a 'love' and I'm sure he is already thankful you
    rescused him from 'god knows what' fate that may have been
    upon him.
    
    Keep us posted. Good food sound bring his fur back to shiny. Try
    brushing/combing that may help.
    
    Cindi - Magen & Cinnamon
    

    Yes, I tried the brushing - but the only cat brush I had was used on
    Tiffany and Otis...and he hissed when he 'smelled' it!  I will have to
    get him his own special brush.
    
    The owner said he liked Figaro (sp?) - which he did send 3 cans of
    and Sam did eat it - but I am wondering what the nutritional value of 
    it is.  I had never heard of it before.  If it is a 'good' food, then I 
    will continue with it, but if not, then I will try introducing him to 
    something that is better for him.  I had made chicken for supper last 
    night - and I brought him a bowl of some of the white meat and he 
    'devoured' it!  I just read the note on baby food (spinach) and will 
    pick up a couple of jars of them for all three kids.  I might try the 
    'raw' egg thing too - anything to bring him back - so to speak.
    
    We took about 6 pictures of Sam - for his before and after photos 
    (smile) it will be interesting to see what he looks like 6 months from
    now!
    
    I do realize he is an 'old' cat - but I do think with proper nutrition
    and a lot of attention (get him feeling 'happy') then he will be (and
    look) more healthy.
    
    We are taking him to the vets on Tuesday for a 'look-see' and to start 
    a medical history on him.  
    
    This is so much fun....he is just the most loveable cat.  And his face,
    he literally looks like a tiger cub...huge huge eyes!
    
    Marilyn
    

    Marilyn-
    
    
    I am SOOO glad this whole thing worked out.....you guyes had me nervous
    wednesday afternoon.  Keep entering notes about his progress......the
    updates are nice to read.  My girlfriend adopted a 13yr old cat last
    fall (again Arlene was involved) and he adjusted wonderfully.
    
    Give Sam a hug from me
    
    Michele
    

    Hi, it's me again!
    
    I talked with Marcia - the girl who adopted Joe and he is doing fine.
    She already has 5 kitties...but she heard my plea (and the desparation
    in my voice) and agreed to adopt Joe.  She said he didn't eat the first
    night - but he did yesterday and again this morning.  He sits and growls 
    when he hears the other 5 approach 'his' room - where upon the five sit 
    there and wonder what all the fuss is about.  She said she gave Joe some
    catnip - and told him to have a sniff or too...and chill out.  Which he
    promptly did (sniff...and roll) and got quite mellow.
    
    Michele...I apologize for getting so panicky, but I began to
    wonder if I was really going to get Sam.  Now I have an idea of what
    adoptive parents must go through...wanting that baby so bad and not
    really believing it's yours - until you get it home and hold it in 
    your arms.
    
    Thanks for helping Arlene save these beautiful animals.
    
    Marilyn
    
    

    RE: the cat food
    
    I've never heard of Figaro catfood either.  The best thing to do is to
    check the ashe content.  It should be at a MAXIMUM of %3.0.  If it is
    higher than that, it's no good for him at all.  Don't exactly know what
    else you should check out.  
    
    Holly
    

    I think the Figaro cat food you are referring to is Figaro Cat Tuna.
    It is a nice treat, but I would not feed my cats solely on a diet
    of tuna.  My guys love the Figaro, and I offer it maybe a few times
    a month, if that.  Tuna is high in magnesium (I think) which is
    the leading cause of cystitis in cats.
    
    You are a saint for rescuing this kitty!
     

    Yes, I think the can does say Cat Tuna.  Could that be why his fur is
    so dry and dull?  I wonder if he doesn't have a vitamin deficiency!!
    
    I tried to introduce him to Fresh Catch - that's Otis' favorite but he
    kind of turned his nose up to it.  Of course, that was the first night
    and perhaps by this evening he will be more trusting and a bit more
    relaxed!  I have some Science Diet and he didn't even sniff that one -
    it seemed to totally turn him off.  I did hear him munching some Purina
    Cat chow...and the owner sent some Tender Vittles which he ate (a few)
    out of my hand.
    
    Poor baby - he really looks likes he was battered some.  Not being
    accusitory here...perhaps it's because of his age, but he definately
    needs some t.l.c.!
    
    Can't wait to get home and be with him for two full days.  Hope Otis
    and Tiffany will ease up on him some and let him come downstairs to
    listen to the stereo (actually I put on the radio in my room so he will
    have some music to comfort him while he is up there) and lay in the sun
    by the French Doors.
    
    What a life!!  Ahhhh....
    
    Marilyn
    

    What an angel you are for taking in Sam!  I'm sure all your kitties
    will get along fine.  There are seven cats in my two family home
    ranging from 14 years to 1 year.  They all get along fairly well,
    but every once in awhile we have a little war. 
    
    An older male cat (Barkley..have no idea how old) also adopted us 
    about three months ago.  I find him so lovelable and always wanting
    to be near us.  He had lived outside in our neighborhood all winter
    long...and swear he knows we saved him and pays us back with love
    and kindness.
    
    I heard once they touch noses...they'll be friends for life.  It
    appears to be true in my house.
    
    Sandy (Tamba, Poco, Barkley) and their friends upstairs.

    
    marilyn...
    
    bravo!!!
    
    diane, stanley & stella
    

    This week-end was so much fun - but totally non-productive (as far as
    cleaning and cooking)...ahhh what the heck!
    
    Sam is doing great.  Otis just sits and stares at him - trying to get
    closer and closer....once getting about 4 inches from Sam's hind quarters
    and when he sensed a _body_ near him - Sam promptly turned an hissed.  
    Otis hissed back - and that was it.  Now Sam lays on the far corner of 
    the bed and Otis lies on the floor and they lay there to stare at one 
    another.
    
    Tiffany had a confrontation with Sam Saturday - chased him all over the
    place.  Poor old man - I was hoping he wouldn't have a heart attack.
    I scolded Tiff - and sent her to her room....then consoled Sam!  Now
    they (Sam and Tiff) are buddy buddy!  Amazing.
    
    Sam doesn't like to venture downstairs yet... he is getting acclamated 
    to my daughters room (and her waterbed) and the bathroom.  I carried him 
    down to the living room once but he sniffed a bit and then went back up 
    to his comfort zone - MY BED.  This morning he 'talked' all non-stop.  
    Every time I entered or left my bedroom he would call out to me. 
    
    We took pictures of him Friday and picked up the developed film on
    Sunday and I have been showing everyone at work just what Sam, the
    jewel, looks like.  He sat on the edge of the bed - and posed!  He is a
    big ham too!
    
    The cat food was named Figaro Tuna Cat Food - ash content is 3.0 and I
    am having a hard time getting him to eat anything else.  He will
    'nibble' on the tender vittles....doesn't seem to eat the Fresh Catch
    and won't touch Science Diet.  Have to work on the 'food' thing - I
    want him to live a long and healthy life.
    
    Just want to say to anyone out there that has/had doubts about adding
    to the number of fur-faces and/or contemplating adopting an older cat - 
    go for it!  Adopting an older cat has many many rewards.  They somehow 
    feel so 'grateful' - they are less likely to 'tear' things apart and are 
    wonderful companions.  Just my 'opinion' - but there is something to be
    said about loving the elderly!
    
    Marilyn
    

    Aubrey, 17 and still a kitten, has asked me to express her, ahem,
    discomfort at your insistance that Sam is an elderly cat at 11.
    At most, he is middle-aged.  My vet said that well-cared for cats
    are regularly living to be 20+ these days.
    

    I love it!
    
    You are right - 11 isn't that old...but Sam sure plays it up BIGTIME.
    Otis (the baby and 1 year old) has wanted to dash after Sam and will
    try (valiantly I might add) to provoke a 'chase'.  
    
    Sam gives him those 'eyes' - looks at me and chirps (so I can put him
    up in the window to watch the birds) and poor Otis thinks that Sam
    has osteoporosis and is feeble.  I can almost see Sam chuckle - he has
    that twinkle in his eye.
    
    Otis has a LOT to learn.
    
    I pray to God that all my babies live well past 20 - honestly I wish
    they would live forever, but I think I am asking way too much.
    
    Marilyn, Otis, Tiffany & Sam
    

    Well, Ms Kitty Bumps and Ms. Xiao-mao will be glad to see that you
    have amended your thinking concerning the age of 11.  "Imagine Mommy,
    thinking that we're old ladies!!"  After which Mao promptly jumped
    up on top of the entertainment unit and huffed.
      Nancy DC

    Nebula is definitely still a kitten at age 12+, except that I am
    supposed to brush her teeth once in a while (not one of her favorite
    activities so I have only been doing it when I am also clipping her
    claws, so as to get all of the things that offend her dignity out of
    the way at once).  JFCL is more dignified, but she was dignified even
    when she was really a kitten.  For example, when you are sleeping in
    bed, Neb will jump ON you, while The Fickle will jump OVER you, on her
    way to her favorite perch in the open bedroom window to catch the
    breeze and check out the view.
    
    I wish they could live forever; I love my cats!
    
    /Charlotte