I feel like I made a mistake

rachbu · Jan 26, 2016

Be careful with the hair tie--it's definitely possible for them to eat them and cause damage. That said, it's never happened with my cats. I would just allow it during supervised playtime, to be safe.

You may want to look at the Neko Flies wand. Even my 13 year old boy leaps in the air like a kitten for it! The rod is sold separately from the attachments. You can get the rod for about $8.50 and the attachments are around $10 or so. Pricey, YES, but worth it!! They hold up to clawing, biting, shaking, and otherwise attacking, and they help release energy and give kitty a chance to fulfill his natural need to pounce on prey. Plus, it's interactive, so a great way to bond.

kristenann · Jan 26, 2016

Yeah I just Googled it, hair ties are not a safe choice. That being said, I'll probably still let him play with them when supervised. Do you guys think like edible string tied in a circle would be enticing? I may give that a shot considering I've never seen him so feisty.

I'll keep my eyes out for that. He has a really nice wand, it makes sounds and lights up but it gets only a minimal response. Mostly he just likes to head butt it and love on it, silly cat... Actually, he tries to cuddle most his toys, except for the darn hair tie.

rachbu · Jan 26, 2016

that's usually how it works-out... they always love the "toys" that aren't really their toys!

talkingpeanut · Jan 26, 2016

kristenann said:
Yeah I just Googled it, hair ties are not a safe choice. That being said, I'll probably still let him play with them when supervised. Do you guys think like edible string tied in a circle would be enticing? I may give that a shot considering I've never seen him so feisty.

I'll keep my eyes out for that. He has a really nice wand, it makes sounds and lights up but it gets only a minimal response. Mostly he just likes to head butt it and love on it, silly cat... Actually, he tries to cuddle most his toys, except for the darn hair tie.

I wouldn't encourage eating of any string. It's a common medical problem for cats. If they swallow it, it can get tied around their intestines and cause serious damage.

A supervised hair tie play session sounds great!

catwoman707 · Jan 26, 2016

The larger hair ties that have the fabric or elastic coating are often a fave, also try the plastic ring off the top of a milk jug, they love those on the kitchen floors!

Here's the deal with string of any kind.

It is light and is ingested not purposely but because of their cups on their tongue, they can't get it back out since it is thin and light, once it starts off on their tongue the only way to get it out is to swallow it, which causes the intestinal issues as it attempts to digest it, going through all the angles and twists of the intestines, it will often at some point depending on how long it is, choke off a section and cause an obstruction and restriction of blood supply.

The tongue cups are what you feel on their tongue, the roughness, but rub it from front to back and it's soft.

These cups are for drinking purposes

molly92 · Jan 26, 2016

My cat is similar in her play habits. She's not the most athletic specimen for sure. One day she found one of those rubbery wristbands and she adored it. She would chase it across the floor and carry it around in her mouth everywhere. I was really concerned that she was going to try to eat it so she only got it when I was watching her, and eventually she did chew through it so that was the end of that.

If I catch her in the right mood, though, I can get her to play for a little while at least with a wand mouse toy similar to this one. Something about the little chain near the mouse makes it jerk along in a life-like way when you move it, and it gets her attention. She gets especially excited if I involve tissue paper, by having a toy "run" across it or underneath it. The sound is like a small animal rustling through the grass.

It sounds like Tiberius is having a pretty good time despite his mouthiness!

rachbu · Jan 26, 2016

you have catnip toys, right? Like the Kong ones you can stuff with catnip? I don't think my rescue baby had ever had it before because he went completely nuts the first time i went to the fancy, expensive pet shop and got him fancy, expensive catnip! There's also kong catnip spray!

Go look at www.chewy.com. They have the best prices and are just generally AMAZING

What kind of food are you giving him? Wet, I'm hoping?

rachbu · Jan 26, 2016

The nipping at your fingers is MAJOR! He's saying he wants MORE petting! That's a definite sign that you've found an affectionate baby! Does he nip at your boyfriend as much as he does with you? I think he's just being a baby now that he sees he has a mommy. My cats definitely are babies with me because that's how I treat them. They know they can get away with anything!

As a rule of thumb, if he bites you, meows, and runs away, then he's annoyed. If he bites you and stays, then he's communicating with you--telling you what he does and doesn't like. if he doesn't do it with your bf, then he's doing it because you're the mommy! It's like a secret language between the two of you.

Have you been brushing him? With that long coat, you'll definitely want to be doing that every day. My cats both LOVE it, and yours probably will too. It's a great way to bond, and will help prevent him from getting hairballs.

Have you tried Greenies treats (the beef flavor is preferred in my house)? Look at those or Kiddles (they're both usually on sale at Chewy). There are also these feline composure chewy treats which worked really well with my little 17 year old mommy girl towards the end--she was hyperthyroid and very edgy and anxious, and those made a big difference for her.

what other questions do you have?

kristenann · Jan 27, 2016

@Rachbu He surprisingly doesn't seem to like catnip. I was really excited when I bought it, but I've offered it a couple times and he doesn't seem the slightest bit interested. He really is the sweetest cat ever. Now that he gets free cuddles he makes a beeline for my lap whenever I sit down. It's the cutest thing ever, he tries to curl himself into a ball to fit, but I'm rather petite and he's rather large so he ends up dangling over looking ridiculous. He does probably nip me a bit more, and I do think he likes me more because he's more inclined to lay on me and follow me around.

Oh yes, I do brush him often! He actually does love it, except for getting his tail and hind legs brushed which he hates, which is the part that needs the most grooming. I'm hoping he'll get use to it though.

I do have Greenies treats, he doesn't seem especially impressed but I slip a couple in his food every now and then because there good for his teeth.

@catwoman707 The milk jug ring is a really good idea! That seems significantly less dangerous, now hopefully he finds it just as appealing.

So I'm feeling a bit panicked today. Monday when I was talking to the vet (to get the good ringworm news) I brought up the fact that he's got a bit of a potbelly which I find concerning, especially considering that he was just wormed. She mentioned that if it doesn't go away with exercise and care that he could have fluid in his abdomen, which I just looked online and is symptomatic of FIP. She told me to keep an eye out because he has been in poor health without proper care so it could just be lack of exercise, and didn't seem terribly concerned. We saw her just over 2 weeks ago and his condition hasn't changed, but I read about FIP online and now I'm really scared. For all my ranting I love this cat more than I thought possible.

onirin · Jan 27, 2016

If the milk jug rings dont work you can try cutting up a paper towel/toil paper roll into rings. One of my cats is a picky toy kitty but she loves thoughs

catwoman707 · Jan 27, 2016

kristenann said:
@Rachbu He surprisingly doesn't seem to like catnip. I was really excited when I bought it, but I've offered it a couple times and he doesn't seem the slightest bit interested. He really is the sweetest cat ever. Now that he gets free cuddles he makes a beeline for my lap whenever I sit down. It's the cutest thing ever, he tries to curl himself into a ball to fit, but I'm rather petite and he's rather large so he ends up dangling over looking ridiculous. He does probably nip me a bit more, and I do think he likes me more because he's more inclined to lay on me and follow me around.

Oh yes, I do brush him often! He actually does love it, except for getting his tail and hind legs brushed which he hates, which is the part that needs the most grooming. I'm hoping he'll get use to it though.

I do have Greenies treats, he doesn't seem especially impressed but I slip a couple in his food every now and then because there good for his teeth.

@catwoman707 The milk jug ring is a really good idea! That seems significantly less dangerous, now hopefully he finds it just as appealing.

So I'm feeling a bit panicked today. Monday when I was talking to the vet (to get the good ringworm news) I brought up the fact that he's got a bit of a potbelly which I find concerning, especially considering that he was just wormed. She mentioned that if it doesn't go away with exercise and care that he could have fluid in his abdomen, which I just looked online and is symptomatic of FIP. She told me to keep an eye out because he has been in poor health without proper care so it could just be lack of exercise, and didn't seem terribly concerned. We saw her just over 2 weeks ago and his condition hasn't changed, but I read about FIP online and now I'm really scared. For all my ranting I love this cat more than I thought possible.

While I don't think you mentioned his age I know he is an adult.

FIP is mostly in kittens and teenagers, under 18 months are the large majority of cases.

I think it's the new home and way he is fed and his diet.

FIP fluid will feel like a water balloon in a way, squishy and fluidy.

If his tummy is big and round but no signs of illness, I doubt it's fip, you would likely have already seen some sign of illness before it got big like that too.

kristenann · Jan 27, 2016

@Onirin That's a really good idea! I'll try that.

@catwoman707 Okay that makes me feel better, I'm probably just worrying about nothing. He's about 6-7 years old so that's a relief. Yeah, I'm hoping and was under the impression that is was likely just adjusting to a new home, new diet, and lack of exercise. I'd say his belly is squishy not firm or anything. And as far as other symptoms go, he's really lazy but I was thinking that could just be his age? He also has poor muscle mass, but he hasn't had much exercise and was rather skinny when I got him. Additionally, he will occasionally have loose stool/diarrhea but generally it seems normal. His behavior hasn't really changed in the time that I've had him, and I didn't get much of a history on him so I don't really have any idea whats normal for him.

I'm a worrier, so I'm probably just over reacting.

molly92 · Jan 27, 2016

Just a note on Greenies: they're not actually beneficial for teeth. My aunt (a vet) said she's noticed they irritate some animals' stomach and intestines, so if he's having more diarrhea you can cut those out and see if they're the culprit. Dry food and treats actually might stick to the teeth more than wet food does, so it's a myth that they help clean teeth. The best thing you can do is brush his teeth daily, but that's probably a bit much for both of you to handle right now! After you've had him for a while you can slowly teach him to accept teeth brushing (you don't even need toothpaste). It does take a long time to teach, but it's worth it to never have his teeth get to the point that they need professional cleaning.

kristenann · Jan 27, 2016

Well he has a healthy appetite so I think I'm overreacting and he's fine. Goodness, Googling cat diseases is terrifying though! My boyfriend doesn't think he looks strange so I'm likely just stressing.

@Molly92 I didn't know that! I thought that was kind of the point of them. He actually had his teeth cleaned by the vet at the rescue, so hopefully he won't need it again for awhile. I do hope to eventually brush his teeth but I think it's a but much for right now. Maybe in a couple months. I hope to eventually leash train him too, he's really confident so I think he'd enjoy it, but alas, we're just working on getting things normal for now.

Okay I do have a couple cat maintenance questions: Am I suppose to clean his ears? They don't look dirty or anything, but is it like a normal thing to do? Same with anal glands? Do they need to be dealt with? Or is that a vet thing?

angels mommy · Jan 27, 2016

Onirin said:
If the milk jug rings dont work you can try cutting up a paper towel/toil paper roll into rings. One of my cats is a picky toy kitty but she loves thoughs

When I worked at an office, I saved the plastic rings the scotch tape was on from the tape dispenser. Angel liked batting those around too! I would roll the across the floor & he would go after them!

angels mommy · Jan 27, 2016

catwoman707 said:
While I don't think you mentioned his age I know he is an adult.

FIP is mostly in kittens and teenagers, under 18 months are the large majority of cases.

I think it's the new home and way he is fed and his diet.

FIP fluid will feel like a water balloon in a way, squishy and fluidy.

If his tummy is big and round but no signs of illness, I doubt it's fip, you would likely have already seen some sign of illness before it got big like that too.

I agree, also all neutered cats seem to have a belly hanging. If its all swollen, then that's different.

rachbu · Jan 27, 2016

Yeah, don't worry about FIP. He's just large because he hasn't known where or when he would be getting his next meal. Once he sees that food is ample and constant, he won't over-eat. Plus, I'm sure you'll be giving him better food than he's been eating, plus far more attention and play time.

I wouldn't worry about sticking treats in his food. If he's not into them, then let it go, maybe offer them another time. Cats can reject something one day and LOVE it the next--i think the same applies to catnip.

It's definitely a good idea to clean his ears somewhat regular-ish-ly (meaning, when he seems like he'll tolerate it). you can mix one part white vinegar with two parts water for a good home remedy. If nothing else, at least it will get him used to having his ears clean so if/when he does get an ear infection, he'll already be used to having his ears cleaned. no urgent reason to start that right away though. Give him more time to get used to you in the non-medical context.

Anal glands--no, your cat should express those naturally when he has a bowel movement. it's possible to express them yourself if need be, but I can't really speak to that, nor has it ever been necessary for me to do it.

So he's really skinny otherwise and has a pot belly?

what kind of food are you feeding him and how often?

Also, did you know cats actually prefer to have their water in a separate location from their food? I mention because it's a fun fact I just learned myself, and as someone who grew up with dogs, i never knew!! But sure enough, I put a bowl next to their food area and a second one in a different room, and both my boys prefer the ohe away from the food!

rachbu · Jan 27, 2016

another fun fact: if a kitty looks at you and slowly closes and opens his eyes, it means he's kissing you! Try it! next time you make eye contact, sloooowwwllly (I guess I mean deliberately--like slower than a blink) close your eyes, then open them, and sometimes, he'll do it back!

DreamerRose · Jan 27, 2016

Mingo bites me, too, when he's had enough. I don't think it's a problem; he is just saying "Stop!" so I stop. The interesting thing is he likes to hop on my arm like he's going to play, but then grabs my thumb and puts it in his mouth. He suckles a little, but mostly just lies there with half-closed eyes like he's in nirvana. It seems to mean a lot to him, so I let him do it.

ermentrude · Jan 28, 2016

OP - I'm a little late to the party but it is so great you were able to adopt an older cat - he appreciates it even if he cannot quite show it yet.

I adopted a cat off of the streets in a large Metro area. When I found her it was freezing out so I took her into the vet. They contacted her owners via the chip and the owners admitted they had dumped her outside, the local humane society said if she was surrendered, they would euthanize, so she came home. She bit and scratched the heck out of me a lot at first, not mean just adapting - by the end of the year bites and scratches were reserved only for nail clipping. She wanted to be pet but just not any way I expected. I learned she was easily over stimulated and while I could get one full body, head to tail pet, the rest better just stick to her head. Eventually she showed me her belly but then was very upset when I rubbed it. Despite having grown up with a cat and already having 2 others when I found her, I had to reset my expectations for her over and over again and work on her level. It took time but I learned what her limits were and she has settled down and appreciates her retirement - she's even grown more tolerant of my idiotic ways, even letting me rub the belly a couple times a month (it's so tiny and white!). I always thought adopting kittens was better, but I would have missed out on so much if I wouldn't have had her in my life.

I feel like I made a mistake

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