Sunday, 9 August 2009
We let them out of the pen yesterday and they were just delighted. After carefully sniffing around and checking out the room, they then started running and playing. They had such a great time. A kind neighbour has given me a play tunnel which they just love, and they've been hiding in it and popping out to surprise each other. After 4 hours non stop fun, they finally flopped into a heap, asleep.
Today, Bailey, my big cat, came in to make friends with them. They had rather freaked him out yesterday when he came into say hello and they set up a chorus of growling, which made him change his mind about being friendly and back himself out of the room. Today he had a better reception and they have all been rubbing up against him.
There is one pair who play a lot together, so it would be best if they can be homed together. Then there is one who is more on her own. She is very sweet, and she is the one who comes up wanting a cuddle first. I've fallen in love with her and will find it very hard to let her go.
The pair are a boy and girl, and they play constantly with each other, rolling over and play fighting. They are very funny to watch, one invents a new game and the other joins in straight away. The boy is very friendly and the girl more timid. She is coming round quickly though, and came to sit by me today. At the moment she is less happy to be stroked than he is. She was very intrigued by the computer and sat on the keyboard to help.
Its all gone quiet now as they are all asleep in a pile. I'd best get a cup of tea before they wake up again.
Today, Bailey, my big cat, came in to make friends with them. They had rather freaked him out yesterday when he came into say hello and they set up a chorus of growling, which made him change his mind about being friendly and back himself out of the room. Today he had a better reception and they have all been rubbing up against him.
There is one pair who play a lot together, so it would be best if they can be homed together. Then there is one who is more on her own. She is very sweet, and she is the one who comes up wanting a cuddle first. I've fallen in love with her and will find it very hard to let her go.
The pair are a boy and girl, and they play constantly with each other, rolling over and play fighting. They are very funny to watch, one invents a new game and the other joins in straight away. The boy is very friendly and the girl more timid. She is coming round quickly though, and came to sit by me today. At the moment she is less happy to be stroked than he is. She was very intrigued by the computer and sat on the keyboard to help.
Its all gone quiet now as they are all asleep in a pile. I'd best get a cup of tea before they wake up again.
Friday, 7 August 2009
Ginger Kittens
Well they've arrived. Apparently the mother turned up in someone's outbuilding, and then produced four kittens. The people have been looking after them ever since. Only 3 have come here as they have decided to keep the mother and one kitten.
They look to be between 8 and 10 weeks old. One is a little more timid than the rest, but they are all very playful. They've just had a totally mad hour, playing with all the toys and leaping around the pen. They are all using the litter tray, and eating and drinking.
We wormed them yesterday, which often makes them loose for a day or two. Oh lovely.
It looks like we have two girls and one boy. One is all ginger, and the others are ginger with white paws and tummy. They are very sweet.
I'll keep them in the pen for a day or so. This will make sure they use the litter tray. Also, as one is quite shy, if I let them out now, she would just disappear behind the sofa and it would be very difficult to get her friendly and used to being stroked. In the pen, I can get in with them, so they get used to being close to a person.
They look to be between 8 and 10 weeks old. One is a little more timid than the rest, but they are all very playful. They've just had a totally mad hour, playing with all the toys and leaping around the pen. They are all using the litter tray, and eating and drinking.
We wormed them yesterday, which often makes them loose for a day or two. Oh lovely.
It looks like we have two girls and one boy. One is all ginger, and the others are ginger with white paws and tummy. They are very sweet.
I'll keep them in the pen for a day or so. This will make sure they use the litter tray. Also, as one is quite shy, if I let them out now, she would just disappear behind the sofa and it would be very difficult to get her friendly and used to being stroked. In the pen, I can get in with them, so they get used to being close to a person.
Thursday, 6 August 2009
New Kittens
Well its a long time since I fostered and we are about to be inundated with 4 ginger kittens. They were found by a couple locally, who have been looking after mum and kittens. The kittens are a little timid, so will come to live with us for a while to get them used to being handled. Then then will be ready for their new homes.
I'm going to get the large pen set up today, and will pick them up this evening. Apparently they are about 8 weeks old, so will be ready to home fairly soon. I don't suppose they will be here for long, as they sound very cute.
I'm going to get the large pen set up today, and will pick them up this evening. Apparently they are about 8 weeks old, so will be ready to home fairly soon. I don't suppose they will be here for long, as they sound very cute.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Grief and Bereavement
Losing a pet can be a very traumatic event. No-one fully knows your pet's personality like you do, and that can make the experience an intensely lonely one. I have even heard people say "Oh it's just a cat" or "Its just a dog", as if we are wrong to feel as strongly as we do. Perhaps they feel they are helping by trying to minimise the situation. But it doesn't work that way.
When you lose an animal, there are small reminders every day of that loss. They may have had little traits that only you knew about - the way they came to greet you when you arrived home, or the way they woke you with a paw on your face each morning. It can be difficult to share those feelings with someone else, as no-one else will fully understand, and we can feel we are boring people with the details.
Often, it just takes time for things to become easier. But sometimes the pain goes on for longer or can become almost unbearable.
There is a therapy that is becoming increasingly popular, that can help with the pain of grief. It's called EFT, which stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques, and is a mixture of psychology and acupuncture, except instead of needles, you tap with your fingers on the meridian points.
EFT doesn't take away your precious memories, nor does it interfere with the natural grieving process. However, it does work to reduce the intensity of the most painful feelings, leaving you free to remember all the happy times.
You may like to visit the website www.newmodalities.com for more information on a local therapist.
When you lose an animal, there are small reminders every day of that loss. They may have had little traits that only you knew about - the way they came to greet you when you arrived home, or the way they woke you with a paw on your face each morning. It can be difficult to share those feelings with someone else, as no-one else will fully understand, and we can feel we are boring people with the details.
Often, it just takes time for things to become easier. But sometimes the pain goes on for longer or can become almost unbearable.
There is a therapy that is becoming increasingly popular, that can help with the pain of grief. It's called EFT, which stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques, and is a mixture of psychology and acupuncture, except instead of needles, you tap with your fingers on the meridian points.
EFT doesn't take away your precious memories, nor does it interfere with the natural grieving process. However, it does work to reduce the intensity of the most painful feelings, leaving you free to remember all the happy times.
You may like to visit the website www.newmodalities.com for more information on a local therapist.
The Good Life Caravan Site
Mark and Stella have now officially opened their new caravan site. It is a small site, and will only have small number of caravans or tents. The field is beautiful and peaceful and a wonderful place for anyone wanting a quiet spot to get away from it all.
They have a new webpage at www.thegoodlifecaravansite.com if you'd like to take a look.
They have a new webpage at www.thegoodlifecaravansite.com if you'd like to take a look.
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Darcy update
Well its about time I gave you an update on Darcy. Needless to say, she is very happy in her new home. As you can see she has made instant friends with Midnight, who already lived there. Sue, her new owner, says Darcy follows Midnight constantly. She has been outside for the first time, and is really enjoying her life. What a difference from the little kitten huddled up amongst the flower pots, who was terrified of people, but desperate for food.
Thank you so much to her new family, for giving her such a lovely home.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Should I let my cat have kittens?
I had an interesting conversation last week with a lady who has a 6 months old kitten. She was trying to find a charity that would pay for the spaying operation, and was telling me that she couldn't afford the bill. She seemed to feel that it was her right to get the operation paid for, and the charities should be doing this. She told me that if one of the charities didn't help her, then she would just let the kitten get pregnant and have a litter, as she could easily home the resulting kittens to friends.
If she chose to do this, the result would be
1. She would have the cost of giving the mother cat extra food whilst pregnant and lactating.
2. She would have the cost of feeding the kittens until homes are found for them.
3. She might end up with veterinary bills if the cat has problems in delivery, or if the kittens need care (unless she decided she couldn't afford it and just stood by while they suffered)
4. By producing more kittens for her friends, she is depriving a kitten or cat that is already desperately waiting for a new home, from getting that home.
5. Either she lets her cat go on producing litter after litter, with all its costs, or she ultimately has to get the cat spayed and pay the bill in any case.
6. Allowing her cat to come into season, will result in males for miles around coming to mate, some of which may carry diseases that could be passed onto her cat - resulting in suffering for the cat, and more vets bills.
Wouldn't it be easier, cheaper and kinder just to get the cat spayed in the first place? And as a cat rescue organisation, should we be using the money that people donate to us to care for cats, or to pay the vets bills of other people who don't want to use their own money? I know there are cases of real hardship, but surely, if, as individuals, we take on the responsibility of looking after an animal, we should be prepared to pay out occasionally, and to budget accordingly.
I'd be interested to know what you think.
If she chose to do this, the result would be
1. She would have the cost of giving the mother cat extra food whilst pregnant and lactating.
2. She would have the cost of feeding the kittens until homes are found for them.
3. She might end up with veterinary bills if the cat has problems in delivery, or if the kittens need care (unless she decided she couldn't afford it and just stood by while they suffered)
4. By producing more kittens for her friends, she is depriving a kitten or cat that is already desperately waiting for a new home, from getting that home.
5. Either she lets her cat go on producing litter after litter, with all its costs, or she ultimately has to get the cat spayed and pay the bill in any case.
6. Allowing her cat to come into season, will result in males for miles around coming to mate, some of which may carry diseases that could be passed onto her cat - resulting in suffering for the cat, and more vets bills.
Wouldn't it be easier, cheaper and kinder just to get the cat spayed in the first place? And as a cat rescue organisation, should we be using the money that people donate to us to care for cats, or to pay the vets bills of other people who don't want to use their own money? I know there are cases of real hardship, but surely, if, as individuals, we take on the responsibility of looking after an animal, we should be prepared to pay out occasionally, and to budget accordingly.
I'd be interested to know what you think.
19th February
On Monday I took Darcy into the vets to be spayed. I hated doing it to her, and felt so mean putting her in the cat carrier. She sat hunched at the far end, her big eyes looking up at me. I felt like such a traitor.
When we got there, as the vet was examining her, she kept cuddled up to me, which was very sweet. The vet thought at first that my guess of 4 months was about right. Until he looked in her mouth. She has all her adult teeth which puts her at least at 6 months. Wow. At that point he said he'd better check she's not pregnant. Thankfully she wasn't. It did seem unlikely as the weather was so cold before she came in, and cats generally start to come into season once the temperature heads up again.
I had to leave her there, and then I had to go to Birmingham for two days to a work conference. This meant that Mark and Stella picked her up and she is with them until Friday when she will go to Sue's. I found myself on the Tuesday night, sitting all alone in a hotel room, and worrying about her. I phoned Stella on Wednesday morning to check, and yes, she was just fine. Sitting up in the pen, desperate to get out and play with all the cats.
I'm so glad, she can just enjoy the rest of her life now. Wonderful.
When we got there, as the vet was examining her, she kept cuddled up to me, which was very sweet. The vet thought at first that my guess of 4 months was about right. Until he looked in her mouth. She has all her adult teeth which puts her at least at 6 months. Wow. At that point he said he'd better check she's not pregnant. Thankfully she wasn't. It did seem unlikely as the weather was so cold before she came in, and cats generally start to come into season once the temperature heads up again.
I had to leave her there, and then I had to go to Birmingham for two days to a work conference. This meant that Mark and Stella picked her up and she is with them until Friday when she will go to Sue's. I found myself on the Tuesday night, sitting all alone in a hotel room, and worrying about her. I phoned Stella on Wednesday morning to check, and yes, she was just fine. Sitting up in the pen, desperate to get out and play with all the cats.
I'm so glad, she can just enjoy the rest of her life now. Wonderful.
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Darcy - Great News
Well the best thing ever has happened. A wonderful lady called Sue has offered Darcy a home. She came to see her on Friday, and is going to have her. I am so pleased. The home sounds just perfect. They live on a smallholding, they have another cat, and dogs, horses, hens etc. But Darcy will be very much a pet, living in the home, but free to go outside if she wishes.
When Sue arrived, she got down on the floor and started playing with a toy with Darcy. You can often tell by the way someone plays with a cat, whether or not they understand cat psychology. Some people will tease a cat by dangling the toy out of reach, some move it so fast that the kitten has no chance of pouncing and catching it, and just gets frustrated. And I've seen other people who let the kitten catch it and then jerk it so hard they are in danger of dislocating the kittens legs. This lady knew exactly how to play. She made the toy hide behind corners, so that Darcy could creep up on it, her little bottom wiggling away as she prepared to pounce, she made it zig zag away, and then let her have the fun of leaping onto it and kicking ten bells out of it. She made it fly through the air, but always within leaping distance, and Darcy chased it and jumped, and ran, and pounced and stalked. Darcy was in her element and played and played. After Sue had gone, Darcy fell asleep by the radiator, so I took the photo above.
So Darcy will be spayed next week and after a couple of days to get over that, she will be going to her new home. We will go check the home out, but it sounds as if it will be just right. Sue is getting a room ready so that Darcy will be safe in the one room until she settles in. After that she will be able go outside if she wants. Mark and Stella have offered to lend them a pen so that Darcy will have a safe area at first. That usually works really well - they have a few days just in the pen, then they are allowed out into one room, and then gradually they get access to the whole house. After a few weeks its safe to let them go outside - just before meal time is best, so that they don't go too far. I just hope she doesn't stalk the hens.
I am so pleased that the right person has found her. I'm going to miss her.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
10th Feb - Darcy being sweet
I thought you might like to see another photo of Darcy. She is so lovely. She wanted to sleep in my daughters arms all evening, so when she had to be moved, we gave her a fleecy blanket to cuddle by the radiator. As you can see, she took to this rather well.
She has also discovered that if she sits on the window sill in my study she can be warm from the radiator, she can keep an eye on me while I work, and can also see the birds feeding outside.
She purrs so loudly. Tonight we were in the kitchen with the kettle on, and wondered what the strange noise was. Darcy had come and sat behind us and was just sitting watching, and purring her head off.
It is amazing that a kitten that was so timid and scared of people, can adapt so well, and become so friendly.
She is still looking for a permanent home. Would she be the one for you?
Friday, 6 February 2009
6th Feb - Cuddles from Darcy
The back to basics has worked wonders with Darcy. I began letting her out of the pen again, and she has been fantastic. Yesterday she came and snuggled up on my knee, and then again today, as soon as I sat down she climbed on and settled down, purring happily. At first she would jump everytime I moved, but now she is a lot less worried about me moving around. This evening, I sat down on the sofa, and she was straight there, cuddling and looking up adoringly. What a sweetie. She has this little crooning noise she makes. Its very cute.
She loves it when my two cats come in, chirrups and purrs. She plays with Bailey and jumps all over him, but is much more respectful of Raffles. He prefers to sit and watch her.
I do hope we get the right home for her before I get too attached. And also for her sake - she needs to be bonding with her proper owner now, not with me.
Whoever offers her a home - if they are willing to take just a little time to build her trust, they will be greatly rewarded.
She loves it when my two cats come in, chirrups and purrs. She plays with Bailey and jumps all over him, but is much more respectful of Raffles. He prefers to sit and watch her.
I do hope we get the right home for her before I get too attached. And also for her sake - she needs to be bonding with her proper owner now, not with me.
Whoever offers her a home - if they are willing to take just a little time to build her trust, they will be greatly rewarded.
Monday, 2 February 2009
2nd Feb - more on Darcy
Today has seen heavy snow across the South East, and some snow here too. Last night I thought i was time to start picking Darcy up, so I got out the magic ingredient - a tin of Whiskas kitten. The solid meat one, not the jelly ones. It was rabbit flavour and as soon as I went in the pen with it she was just desperate to have some. So I picked her up and stuck the dish practically under her nose so that she smelt it before she had time to object. It worked like a charm. She slurped away happily, hardly noticing that she was being cuddled.
I took some more in today, and it worked well. So we are making great steps forward. She is using her litter with no problems at all, and covers everything over. Still building pyramids. She loves to be played with, and is very quick. A pleasure to have around.
At this stage, if the right person came and offered her a home I would consider letting her go, but it would have to be someone who has the patience to keep working with her and not rush things (as I did earlier!) . She will make someone a very delightful pet.
I took some more in today, and it worked well. So we are making great steps forward. She is using her litter with no problems at all, and covers everything over. Still building pyramids. She loves to be played with, and is very quick. A pleasure to have around.
At this stage, if the right person came and offered her a home I would consider letting her go, but it would have to be someone who has the patience to keep working with her and not rush things (as I did earlier!) . She will make someone a very delightful pet.
Sunday, 1 February 2009
1st Feb 2009 - Darcy
There are some good videos on YouTube about taming feral kittens. Not that Darcy counts as feral - she is obviously used to some human contact. But the information is very helpful as she hasn't been used to being picked up, or sitting on anyone's knee or even stroked before now.
The videos recommend getting right in with the kittens and then using food as a means of getting them to accept contact. The new pen is a great help in this. It is about 4 feet long, so just about large enough for me to get into.
I decided to try it out on Friday evening. There was no-one home so in I went, and sat with the food whilst Darcy, after watching with some interest from inside her bed, came out and clambered up my knee to reach the dish of meat. As I was sitting there, hunched up, my daughter came home with a friend. It was at this point that I wondered what her friend would think, finding me cooped up in a kitten pen, with my feet virtually in the litter tray. They popped their heads round the sitting room.
"Oh hello," they said, "would you like a cup of tea?" It did make me wonder what sort of household this is, where a regular visitor takes it perfectly for granted that I might be apparently spending the evening sitting in a cat cage.
There is snow forecast for tomorrow and its freezing cold outside. Time to light the fire and snuggle up. On the sofa, like any normal human being.
The videos recommend getting right in with the kittens and then using food as a means of getting them to accept contact. The new pen is a great help in this. It is about 4 feet long, so just about large enough for me to get into.
I decided to try it out on Friday evening. There was no-one home so in I went, and sat with the food whilst Darcy, after watching with some interest from inside her bed, came out and clambered up my knee to reach the dish of meat. As I was sitting there, hunched up, my daughter came home with a friend. It was at this point that I wondered what her friend would think, finding me cooped up in a kitten pen, with my feet virtually in the litter tray. They popped their heads round the sitting room.
"Oh hello," they said, "would you like a cup of tea?" It did make me wonder what sort of household this is, where a regular visitor takes it perfectly for granted that I might be apparently spending the evening sitting in a cat cage.
There is snow forecast for tomorrow and its freezing cold outside. Time to light the fire and snuggle up. On the sofa, like any normal human being.
Thursday, 29 January 2009
29th January - Darcy
I’ve had to go back to basics with Darcy. It was entirely my fault as I had rushed the process too much. Its always so tempting. She was so wanting to come out of the pen, and so I let her out. But it was a mistake. Stupid of me. I should have known. Anyway, the result was that she was having a great time running around the room and playing, but wouldn’t let me near her. She thought the beams were some kind of giant climbing frame, and kept running up them, then looking down on us in triumph.
She also didn’t want to go back in the pen, and as she wouldn’t let me pick her up, that was a bit of a nightmare. Having built up their trust, the last thing you want to do is to grab them and put it all back.
She was also not reliably using her litter tray once she came out. She started out so well, but then was going in the corners. Fortunately I had put things down just in case, but then I spotted her about to go on the sofa.
So, she had to go back in the pen. I’ve borrowed a larger pen from Mark and Stella, with a better door. That way, I can feed her in the pen without her leaping out.
Bailey had gone in to play with her on Sunday night and she gave him a black eye. At least, that’s what it looked like. It was only in play, but she caught him with her claws. Poor baby, he looked so sad looking up at me with one eye half closed.
I took him to the vet today as it was a bit red. It set me back £20, but best to be safe as eyes can get infected so easily. I’ve got drops to put in 3 times a day for 5 days. He is not impressed.
He was even less impressed with the lamb that he came face to face with in the vets. The lamb was baa-ing loudly and Bailey was miaowing back. It got quite noisy in there for a while.
She also didn’t want to go back in the pen, and as she wouldn’t let me pick her up, that was a bit of a nightmare. Having built up their trust, the last thing you want to do is to grab them and put it all back.
She was also not reliably using her litter tray once she came out. She started out so well, but then was going in the corners. Fortunately I had put things down just in case, but then I spotted her about to go on the sofa.
So, she had to go back in the pen. I’ve borrowed a larger pen from Mark and Stella, with a better door. That way, I can feed her in the pen without her leaping out.
Bailey had gone in to play with her on Sunday night and she gave him a black eye. At least, that’s what it looked like. It was only in play, but she caught him with her claws. Poor baby, he looked so sad looking up at me with one eye half closed.
I took him to the vet today as it was a bit red. It set me back £20, but best to be safe as eyes can get infected so easily. I’ve got drops to put in 3 times a day for 5 days. He is not impressed.
He was even less impressed with the lamb that he came face to face with in the vets. The lamb was baa-ing loudly and Bailey was miaowing back. It got quite noisy in there for a while.
Monday, 26 January 2009
26th January
It's been an eventful couple of days for the kitten. The move went very smoothly on Sunday, and she is now in a pen in the sitting room. She has been out in the room today, and having a great time playing and running around. My cat Bailey is so good with kittens and he has been showing her how to play.
He looked so funny, tipping his head on one side and crooning at her with his paw outstretched. She then went and sat on the sofa and copied him, turning on her back and looking at him upside down. She stretched a bit too far and then fell off the sofa, which scared her and she ran off to hide for a bit.
She came onto my knee to eat some food, and later sat herself down on my leg. Not exactly cuddled up to me - but huge progress all the same.
She has such tiny feet that she looks like a ballerina standing on point. So we've decided to call her Darcy. And if it turns out that I'm wrong and she is a he, then we can just put a "Mister" in front of it. She has to be a she though, she is so dainty and pretty.
Darcy is fascinated by the television - especially when a DVD was ejected. She sat for ages waiting for us to send the DVD drawer in and out. Which of course we did - couldn't resist. We will probably break it - all the in name of entertaining a kitten.
She is back in her pen now, as its safest for her at night time.
The two big boys went to their new home today, so I've got some cleaning out to do. They will be living in Meifod. They have been very well behaved, but I think they will be glad to be in their new home.
He looked so funny, tipping his head on one side and crooning at her with his paw outstretched. She then went and sat on the sofa and copied him, turning on her back and looking at him upside down. She stretched a bit too far and then fell off the sofa, which scared her and she ran off to hide for a bit.
She came onto my knee to eat some food, and later sat herself down on my leg. Not exactly cuddled up to me - but huge progress all the same.
She has such tiny feet that she looks like a ballerina standing on point. So we've decided to call her Darcy. And if it turns out that I'm wrong and she is a he, then we can just put a "Mister" in front of it. She has to be a she though, she is so dainty and pretty.
Darcy is fascinated by the television - especially when a DVD was ejected. She sat for ages waiting for us to send the DVD drawer in and out. Which of course we did - couldn't resist. We will probably break it - all the in name of entertaining a kitten.
She is back in her pen now, as its safest for her at night time.
The two big boys went to their new home today, so I've got some cleaning out to do. They will be living in Meifod. They have been very well behaved, but I think they will be glad to be in their new home.
Saturday, 24 January 2009
24th January
Thought you might like to see a photo of this kitten. She had just woken up here. The worming course was finished today, and she took it so well. She is getting more friendly every day. She purrs when I go in, and rubs against my hand. She has been playing with a toy mouse and batting a ball around. When she uses the cat litter, every time she piles it up into a neat pyramid shape - amazing. Mark says perhaps she's got Egyptian Mau in her.
Yesterday she was wanting to climb out of the pen, so I think its time she was brought into the sitting room, where she will be able to come out. I've been over to Mark and Stella's today and borrowed a small cat basket. I've put this in the pen with her so that she gets used to going in it. When she is okay with that, I'll use it to transfer her to a pen in the sitting room.
I've been kitten-proofing the room ready. I've put wires out of reach and placed cat beds in all the corners so that she isn't tempted to pee there - at least, that's the idea. In the pen she has been really good with her litter tray, but she may be a bit scared the first time she comes out.
I went across to Argae Cottage today and took photos of all the new cats that have come in. These will go on the website soon. Thank you so much to everyone who has given a home to one of the cats recently. It is much appreciated. And also for all the other help and support that you give.
If anyone has any old duvets that I can use for making cat beds for Mark and Stella to sell, I'd be very grateful for them. Or any fleecy or furry material.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
22nd January
The kitten is making amazing progress. When I go out to her now she is ready and waiting to see me. She lets me stroke her and purrs and chirrups, rubbing her head against my hand. I have to make sure she sees my hand coming though, as this evening I touched her when she wasn't looking and she jumped in the air with all her toes spread wide.
I've put some new toys in, which she loves. When I am in the kitchen I can hear her batting her ball around.
I thought I'd better start the worming treatment as her belly is so round. I wasn't quite sure how best to approch it. No cat that I have ever known will eat the paste mixed into meat. They turn their nose up at it and shake their paws in disgust. With tiny kittens its relatively easy to just hold them steady, and dispense the paste into the corner of their mouth. If you then hold their mouth shut they will swallow, or at least that's the general idea. If you don't get this bit right they spit it straight back out all over you. The first time I ever tried I got completely covered. It was at that point that I checked the information leaflet in the box which said in no uncertain terms to avoid skin contact with the stuff. Its a bit late for that when its dripping off your nose. Still, at least I'm not likely to suffer much from worms.
Anyhow, I tried the usual trick of holding her head to put it into the side of her mouth. Predictably enough that totally freaked her out. I should have known better than to try. Not wanting to upset her when she is just getting used to me I decided to try mixing it with her food. I fully expected her to take one sniff and back off, so was amazed when she put her head down into the bowl and scoffed the lot straight off. She then sat back licking her lips and looked me straight in the eyes saying "Well why didn't you just ask me in the first place."
I just hope its that easy tomorrow. Its a three day course. It also tends to give them the squits - so we've got that to look forward to.
The other two boys are doing fine. Herbie seems to think I keep forgetting to let him out in the evening, as after I have fed them at tea time he miaows and miaows. When I go to check he's okay, I find him sitting at the front of the pen, huge green eyes staring at me, trying to communicate with the stupid human to Let Him Out. "I always go out at this time, can you not understand?" I've tried telling him that he can use the litter tray but he says its not the tray he needs, its the Hunting.
These two are incredibly good natured cats. Here they are, cooped up in a pen together when they have been used to having complete freedom. And apart from the intense looks and the miaows, they are very gentlemanly about it. I'm glad they have got a good home to go to. Only a few more days.
I've put some new toys in, which she loves. When I am in the kitchen I can hear her batting her ball around.
I thought I'd better start the worming treatment as her belly is so round. I wasn't quite sure how best to approch it. No cat that I have ever known will eat the paste mixed into meat. They turn their nose up at it and shake their paws in disgust. With tiny kittens its relatively easy to just hold them steady, and dispense the paste into the corner of their mouth. If you then hold their mouth shut they will swallow, or at least that's the general idea. If you don't get this bit right they spit it straight back out all over you. The first time I ever tried I got completely covered. It was at that point that I checked the information leaflet in the box which said in no uncertain terms to avoid skin contact with the stuff. Its a bit late for that when its dripping off your nose. Still, at least I'm not likely to suffer much from worms.
Anyhow, I tried the usual trick of holding her head to put it into the side of her mouth. Predictably enough that totally freaked her out. I should have known better than to try. Not wanting to upset her when she is just getting used to me I decided to try mixing it with her food. I fully expected her to take one sniff and back off, so was amazed when she put her head down into the bowl and scoffed the lot straight off. She then sat back licking her lips and looked me straight in the eyes saying "Well why didn't you just ask me in the first place."
I just hope its that easy tomorrow. Its a three day course. It also tends to give them the squits - so we've got that to look forward to.
The other two boys are doing fine. Herbie seems to think I keep forgetting to let him out in the evening, as after I have fed them at tea time he miaows and miaows. When I go to check he's okay, I find him sitting at the front of the pen, huge green eyes staring at me, trying to communicate with the stupid human to Let Him Out. "I always go out at this time, can you not understand?" I've tried telling him that he can use the litter tray but he says its not the tray he needs, its the Hunting.
These two are incredibly good natured cats. Here they are, cooped up in a pen together when they have been used to having complete freedom. And apart from the intense looks and the miaows, they are very gentlemanly about it. I'm glad they have got a good home to go to. Only a few more days.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
20th January
Made some huge leaps forward today - she accepted me stroking her whilst she was eating. That was wonderful. She also looked more relaxed today. Her face has lost its frown, and she was sleeping all stretched out on her side, which was so nice to see.
Tonight I stroked her again at meal time, and she began purring away.
She was interested in some of the toys I showed her, so I made one from string and newspaper. That got a real response and she patted away at it. She has really tiny paws.
When I go to stroke her, her immediate response is to duck her head and cower, but when she realises its friendly, she then arches her back into my hand.
I spent ages with her, with a silly grin on my face. This is what makes it all worth while.
Tonight I stroked her again at meal time, and she began purring away.
She was interested in some of the toys I showed her, so I made one from string and newspaper. That got a real response and she patted away at it. She has really tiny paws.
When I go to stroke her, her immediate response is to duck her head and cower, but when she realises its friendly, she then arches her back into my hand.
I spent ages with her, with a silly grin on my face. This is what makes it all worth while.
Monday, 19 January 2009
19th January
This morning the kitten had brought back a load of meat and was looking very wary. She wouldn't come near my hand when I offered food, so I left her some to eat in peace. She had used her litter tray though which is a vast improvement as yesterday she had gone in her bed.
Tonight I fed her from my hand, which she accepted so long as I kept fairly still and moved my hand slowly. She starts purring when I feed her, so all the signs are good. It just takes patience.
The two big boys are settled in well and are eating and drinking fine.
Tonight I fed her from my hand, which she accepted so long as I kept fairly still and moved my hand slowly. She starts purring when I feed her, so all the signs are good. It just takes patience.
The two big boys are settled in well and are eating and drinking fine.
Sunday, 18 January 2009
18th January
This morning the kitten had really trashed her pen. There was litter everywhere, and the bed was overturned. At least she had eaten her food. She was back to sitting in the litter tray, having somehow managed to throw all the litter out. I put new food in, and cleared things up as best I could without disturbing her too much. She is still in freeze mode - just sits very still and watches me with worried eyes. She keeps her head still, only her eyes move. Obviously she wasn't in freeze mode all night, from the mess she had made.
This stage is always very hard. I feel so desperately sorry for her. Living outside was rough for her, and here she is warm and well fed. But for the next few days she is going to feel very scared of everything. Poor little thing.
If anyone has any suggestions for a name I'd be grateful to hear them. You could email it to the old cat people's admin address. As I don't know if she is definitely a female, it would have to be a name that would do for a girl or a boy.
I've also got two new ones here, that arrived this afternoon. They are quite huge - Fluffy and Herbie. Herbie had very kindly brought up his tea in the cat carrier, and also evacuated his bowels on the way here. Lovely. I can see I'm going to have problems with their names, as Herbie is much fluffier than Fluffy.
They are now cuddled up together in their pen, having had some biscuits to replace what was lost.
Their owner is moving to France and has found it very hard to part with them. They had quite a few cats, mostly ones they had rescued, and couldn't afford to take them all to France. I understand its not terribly cheap to get pet passports. So they are taking some of them, and two are going to Argae Cottage until homes are found, and these two are here until their new owner can have them, in a week's time.
Why are so many people moving away? Is this weather getting to everyone?
This stage is always very hard. I feel so desperately sorry for her. Living outside was rough for her, and here she is warm and well fed. But for the next few days she is going to feel very scared of everything. Poor little thing.
If anyone has any suggestions for a name I'd be grateful to hear them. You could email it to the old cat people's admin address. As I don't know if she is definitely a female, it would have to be a name that would do for a girl or a boy.
I've also got two new ones here, that arrived this afternoon. They are quite huge - Fluffy and Herbie. Herbie had very kindly brought up his tea in the cat carrier, and also evacuated his bowels on the way here. Lovely. I can see I'm going to have problems with their names, as Herbie is much fluffier than Fluffy.
They are now cuddled up together in their pen, having had some biscuits to replace what was lost.
Their owner is moving to France and has found it very hard to part with them. They had quite a few cats, mostly ones they had rescued, and couldn't afford to take them all to France. I understand its not terribly cheap to get pet passports. So they are taking some of them, and two are going to Argae Cottage until homes are found, and these two are here until their new owner can have them, in a week's time.
Why are so many people moving away? Is this weather getting to everyone?
Saturday, 17 January 2009
New Kitten in Foster Care
Today I picked up a new kitten to foster. It had turned up on a lady's doorstep and she had been keeping an eye on it for some weeks, and putting food down. She had checked to see if it belonged to anyone, but no-one seemed to know anything about it. She thought it might be about 8 weeks old, which worried me, as I couldn't imagine how it had survived all that cold weather by itself.
I went down today, with a cat basket. Having seen the kitten I would guess it is probably about 4 months old. It is black and white, and quite short legged, so appears very small. The lady who had found it thought it might be a girl, but isn't sure as she can't get close to it. I'll call it 'she' for now. She was very shy, but we managed to coax her into the basket, with the help of tuna. The lady would have kept it herself, but they live near the road. She did offer though to help with the cost of neutering. People are extremely kind aren't they.
The kitten is now in a pen in my conservatory. At first she just crouched in the litter box, with that incredibly worried expression that cats get, and keeping very still. I've been in to speak to her a few times, but its best to let her settle in. I've put a blanket over most of the pen so that she will feel safe, but can still see me in the kitchen. While I was preparing the meal tonight, she was watching me, so I pretended to ignore her.
I've just checked now and she has eaten the kitten food I'd put out, and has moved from the litter tray into the bed. There is a heated pad under a fleecy blanket in a box, so she should be much more comfortable tonight than she has been. She has been sleeping in the lady's porch, huddled up to the flower pots.
I'm so glad we got her in today, as the weather has turned awful tonight - rain battering against the window and its blowing a gale. We even had thunder.
My cat has just come in to tell me to go to bed so I'm off and I'll see how she is doing in the morning.
I went down today, with a cat basket. Having seen the kitten I would guess it is probably about 4 months old. It is black and white, and quite short legged, so appears very small. The lady who had found it thought it might be a girl, but isn't sure as she can't get close to it. I'll call it 'she' for now. She was very shy, but we managed to coax her into the basket, with the help of tuna. The lady would have kept it herself, but they live near the road. She did offer though to help with the cost of neutering. People are extremely kind aren't they.
The kitten is now in a pen in my conservatory. At first she just crouched in the litter box, with that incredibly worried expression that cats get, and keeping very still. I've been in to speak to her a few times, but its best to let her settle in. I've put a blanket over most of the pen so that she will feel safe, but can still see me in the kitchen. While I was preparing the meal tonight, she was watching me, so I pretended to ignore her.
I've just checked now and she has eaten the kitten food I'd put out, and has moved from the litter tray into the bed. There is a heated pad under a fleecy blanket in a box, so she should be much more comfortable tonight than she has been. She has been sleeping in the lady's porch, huddled up to the flower pots.
I'm so glad we got her in today, as the weather has turned awful tonight - rain battering against the window and its blowing a gale. We even had thunder.
My cat has just come in to tell me to go to bed so I'm off and I'll see how she is doing in the morning.
17th January - updates at Argae Cottage
This week has been a busy one for OCP. A number of cats from Argae have found wonderful new homes. This is really great, as some of them have been waiting for a permanent home for some time. If you were one of the people who offered a loving home, then thank you so much.
There are always so many waiting to come in, and a further 10 have arrived at Argae. Sweetpea and Pippa, who's owner has gone to Australia, have moved in until they can be find a new owner. They are settling in well. It must seem very strange for them to see many other cats about. Their owner was really distraught at leaving them, but she will keep in touch, which is great.
There have also been a number of younger ones come in - four kittens of about 4 months, and also a small ginger female found under a car, in a bit of a state. She is being treated at the moment and given lots of TLC.
There are always so many waiting to come in, and a further 10 have arrived at Argae. Sweetpea and Pippa, who's owner has gone to Australia, have moved in until they can be find a new owner. They are settling in well. It must seem very strange for them to see many other cats about. Their owner was really distraught at leaving them, but she will keep in touch, which is great.
There have also been a number of younger ones come in - four kittens of about 4 months, and also a small ginger female found under a car, in a bit of a state. She is being treated at the moment and given lots of TLC.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Joey
31.10.08
Mark rang today to see if I would foster a kitten till he was old enough to be homed. The lady bringing him in had said she thought he was about five weeks old. He’d been abandoned by his mother. Five weeks is usually fairly easy, they can feed themselves, so no bottle feeding, or getting up every two hours through the night. So I said yes.
I arrived at Argae Cottage just after the lady had dropped him off. Stella picked him out of the carrier and he sat in the palm of her hand. His ears were still down, his eyes were a misty blue, and as he opened his mouth to mew, we saw just 2 tiny teeth.
Stella and I looked at each other.
“Does he look 5 weeks to you?” I asked.
“More like 3 or 4 at the most.”
I thought about it for a moment as the significance sunk in. If you have ever done it you will know what I mean. Hand rearing kittens can be quite tricky. They don’t always co-operate terribly well. Some find the bottle hard to get used to. It also means being there to feed them every few hours, day and night. Oh well, I’d said I would look after him, so was committed now.
“Okay, where’s the bottle?”
He was also pretty dirty, his fur all spiky where milk and food had dried into his coat. Poor little guy.
After we got home I warmed his milk and sat him on my knee to feed him. I’ve got Cimicat from the vet and goat’s milk from Mark and Stella’s goats. He screamed a bit, searching frantically for the milk he could smell. Then he latched straight onto the teat and sucked away, his little ears going rhythmically as he sucked, his paws kneading against my fingers. Oh wonderful. He is going to be easy.
He used his litter tray like a pro, covering it all up like a good boy. Then he settled on my knee for a cuddle.
Later on I settled him into the pen in the sitting room. He has a heated pad, a hooded bed and a soft toy to keep him company.
My two cats know there is Something Strange in the sitting room. Raffles, the older one, is keeping out of the way, but Bailey is dying to go see. I don’t want to let them in just yet. Best give him some space.
I’ve decided if I stay up late to give him a late feed and then get up very early morning it won’t feel like I’m getting up in the middle of the night.
1.11.08
Up very early to make sure he is okay. I didn’t like leaving him in the pen last night, but its the safest place for him. He is so tiny, and very wobbly. His legs don’t quite work properly yet, but that doesn’t put him off trying to run.
Tried him with some meat mashed up with milk. I put it through the sieve for him but he made no progress at all– just got very messy, and frustrated. So I’ve decided to concentrate on getting plenty of milk into him. Meat can come later.
He is still very dirty. He has this huge round tummy. I’ll ask Stella how soon I can worm him.
2.11.08
Tried to clean him up today, but he wasn’t keen and I don’t want to stress him, so I didn’t force him.
3.11.08
Been trying to decide on a name. I know that once he is homed the new owner will likely change it, but I have to call him something. He has four grey circles on his back, so maybe Domino.
4.11.08
Domino just didn’t seem to stick, so tonight I tried ‘Joey’. I called it to him and he looked up with his big blue eyes. ‘Joey, is that me? I like that’. So, Joey it is.
5.11.08
I let Bailey in to see him today. He was totally fascinated, and sat gazing in wonder as Joey trundled about the room.
Joey’s motions are very pale, but I guess that’s just the milk. Started the worming too. Poor little guy, it tastes horrid and he pulled a face and smacked his lips together in disgust. Bailey wanted to know what he was getting, so came for a sniff. He obviously didn’t like it all as it made him screw his nose up, blink his eyes and run off.
7.11.08
Bailey has been playing with him and they look so cute together. Bailey is huge and fluffy and to see him laying on his back and stretching a massive paw out, so gently to this tiny creature, is very sweet.
Tried him with meat again today, and he did much better with it this time. Whiskas in gravy. He’s got more teeth now and seems to like the little chunks. So does Bailey, so I have to give him a few pieces too. He is still having lots of milk. Bailey wanted to know what he was having, and kept trying to nuzzle in. When Joey had finished I held the bottle out to Bailey and he tried licking the teat, which flicked it, so he ended up with milk drops all on the ends of his whiskers.
8.11.08
Last night Bailey sat close up to me watching Joey who was asleep on my lap. Suddenly he gave one of those inward gentle noises that you hear mother cats give. Next minute, he was licking Joey to try and clean him up. Joey loved it and purred his head off, eyes shut in delight.
10.11.08
These two are so funny. Bailey is teaching him to play, and Joey keeps trying to bite Bailey, but all he gets is a mouthful of fur.
15.10.08
Now he is gradually getting cleaner we can see what a beautiful kitten he is. He is white, with grey on his head and ears, and four grey circles on his back. His nose is pink. His big round eyes are still blue, but clear now, and he has the sweetest expression. With his white face and big round eyes he has the look of a baby polar bear.
20.11.08
I love this little kitten so much. He is just so incredibly sweet. He wants to be with me, and loves to sleep on my knee, or on my shoulders under my hair. I’m not sure how I’m going to let him go.
Usually I’m okay about that. I worry about finding the right home. I get sad just before they leave, and mooch around a bit after they have gone. I often worry about them after they have left. But I just tell myself that if I keep them all I can’t help the next one. If I find the right home, its best they go where they will be loved, and then I can offer a temporary refuge to the next waif and stray.
But this Joey – he’s got right into my heart.
22.11.08
I had a coffee morning today to raise money for the Old Cat People. Such nice people came along, and sat chatting by the fire. Joey was gorgeous as ever and fell asleep on Stella’s knee.
24.11.08
The worming has given him diarrhoea. It often seems to do. Its so important to worm him, but seems a shame to give him the runs. He’s not bothered by it, but is going to his litter tray fairly frequently.
He will be around 8 or 9 weeks on Friday, so could be homed soon. I am not really ready to let him go. This is going to be such a hard one.
28.11.08
A girl rang tonight to ask about him. I asked her loads of questions about whether she would keep him in at night, where they lived, where he would sleep and so on. Poor girl. Anyway, she sounded lovely, they live in the middle of the countryside, and will keep him in at night. They are coming to see him at the weekend.
1.12.08
Joey has gone. The family came to see him and just loved him. Well, of course they did, he is adorable. So they went away to buy toys and beds etc, and now he has gone to live with them. They were really nice people which makes it a bit easier. But he was still incredibly hard to part with. Bailey is looking lost and has taken to washing a small cuddly toy. I am looking a bit lost myself. Good job I’ve still got my two to cuddle.
Mark rang today to see if I would foster a kitten till he was old enough to be homed. The lady bringing him in had said she thought he was about five weeks old. He’d been abandoned by his mother. Five weeks is usually fairly easy, they can feed themselves, so no bottle feeding, or getting up every two hours through the night. So I said yes.
I arrived at Argae Cottage just after the lady had dropped him off. Stella picked him out of the carrier and he sat in the palm of her hand. His ears were still down, his eyes were a misty blue, and as he opened his mouth to mew, we saw just 2 tiny teeth.
Stella and I looked at each other.
“Does he look 5 weeks to you?” I asked.
“More like 3 or 4 at the most.”
I thought about it for a moment as the significance sunk in. If you have ever done it you will know what I mean. Hand rearing kittens can be quite tricky. They don’t always co-operate terribly well. Some find the bottle hard to get used to. It also means being there to feed them every few hours, day and night. Oh well, I’d said I would look after him, so was committed now.
“Okay, where’s the bottle?”
He was also pretty dirty, his fur all spiky where milk and food had dried into his coat. Poor little guy.
After we got home I warmed his milk and sat him on my knee to feed him. I’ve got Cimicat from the vet and goat’s milk from Mark and Stella’s goats. He screamed a bit, searching frantically for the milk he could smell. Then he latched straight onto the teat and sucked away, his little ears going rhythmically as he sucked, his paws kneading against my fingers. Oh wonderful. He is going to be easy.
He used his litter tray like a pro, covering it all up like a good boy. Then he settled on my knee for a cuddle.
Later on I settled him into the pen in the sitting room. He has a heated pad, a hooded bed and a soft toy to keep him company.
My two cats know there is Something Strange in the sitting room. Raffles, the older one, is keeping out of the way, but Bailey is dying to go see. I don’t want to let them in just yet. Best give him some space.
I’ve decided if I stay up late to give him a late feed and then get up very early morning it won’t feel like I’m getting up in the middle of the night.
1.11.08
Up very early to make sure he is okay. I didn’t like leaving him in the pen last night, but its the safest place for him. He is so tiny, and very wobbly. His legs don’t quite work properly yet, but that doesn’t put him off trying to run.
Tried him with some meat mashed up with milk. I put it through the sieve for him but he made no progress at all– just got very messy, and frustrated. So I’ve decided to concentrate on getting plenty of milk into him. Meat can come later.
He is still very dirty. He has this huge round tummy. I’ll ask Stella how soon I can worm him.
2.11.08
Tried to clean him up today, but he wasn’t keen and I don’t want to stress him, so I didn’t force him.
3.11.08
Been trying to decide on a name. I know that once he is homed the new owner will likely change it, but I have to call him something. He has four grey circles on his back, so maybe Domino.
4.11.08
Domino just didn’t seem to stick, so tonight I tried ‘Joey’. I called it to him and he looked up with his big blue eyes. ‘Joey, is that me? I like that’. So, Joey it is.
5.11.08
I let Bailey in to see him today. He was totally fascinated, and sat gazing in wonder as Joey trundled about the room.
Joey’s motions are very pale, but I guess that’s just the milk. Started the worming too. Poor little guy, it tastes horrid and he pulled a face and smacked his lips together in disgust. Bailey wanted to know what he was getting, so came for a sniff. He obviously didn’t like it all as it made him screw his nose up, blink his eyes and run off.
7.11.08
Bailey has been playing with him and they look so cute together. Bailey is huge and fluffy and to see him laying on his back and stretching a massive paw out, so gently to this tiny creature, is very sweet.
Tried him with meat again today, and he did much better with it this time. Whiskas in gravy. He’s got more teeth now and seems to like the little chunks. So does Bailey, so I have to give him a few pieces too. He is still having lots of milk. Bailey wanted to know what he was having, and kept trying to nuzzle in. When Joey had finished I held the bottle out to Bailey and he tried licking the teat, which flicked it, so he ended up with milk drops all on the ends of his whiskers.
8.11.08
Last night Bailey sat close up to me watching Joey who was asleep on my lap. Suddenly he gave one of those inward gentle noises that you hear mother cats give. Next minute, he was licking Joey to try and clean him up. Joey loved it and purred his head off, eyes shut in delight.
10.11.08
These two are so funny. Bailey is teaching him to play, and Joey keeps trying to bite Bailey, but all he gets is a mouthful of fur.
15.10.08
Now he is gradually getting cleaner we can see what a beautiful kitten he is. He is white, with grey on his head and ears, and four grey circles on his back. His nose is pink. His big round eyes are still blue, but clear now, and he has the sweetest expression. With his white face and big round eyes he has the look of a baby polar bear.
20.11.08
I love this little kitten so much. He is just so incredibly sweet. He wants to be with me, and loves to sleep on my knee, or on my shoulders under my hair. I’m not sure how I’m going to let him go.
Usually I’m okay about that. I worry about finding the right home. I get sad just before they leave, and mooch around a bit after they have gone. I often worry about them after they have left. But I just tell myself that if I keep them all I can’t help the next one. If I find the right home, its best they go where they will be loved, and then I can offer a temporary refuge to the next waif and stray.
But this Joey – he’s got right into my heart.
22.11.08
I had a coffee morning today to raise money for the Old Cat People. Such nice people came along, and sat chatting by the fire. Joey was gorgeous as ever and fell asleep on Stella’s knee.
24.11.08
The worming has given him diarrhoea. It often seems to do. Its so important to worm him, but seems a shame to give him the runs. He’s not bothered by it, but is going to his litter tray fairly frequently.
He will be around 8 or 9 weeks on Friday, so could be homed soon. I am not really ready to let him go. This is going to be such a hard one.
28.11.08
A girl rang tonight to ask about him. I asked her loads of questions about whether she would keep him in at night, where they lived, where he would sleep and so on. Poor girl. Anyway, she sounded lovely, they live in the middle of the countryside, and will keep him in at night. They are coming to see him at the weekend.
1.12.08
Joey has gone. The family came to see him and just loved him. Well, of course they did, he is adorable. So they went away to buy toys and beds etc, and now he has gone to live with them. They were really nice people which makes it a bit easier. But he was still incredibly hard to part with. Bailey is looking lost and has taken to washing a small cuddly toy. I am looking a bit lost myself. Good job I’ve still got my two to cuddle.
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Hello!
Welcome to the new blog. I sometimes foster cats and kittens for Mark and Stella and thought you might like to hear about some of them.
Thanks for taking a look.
Thanks for taking a look.
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