The Forum Chit-Chat Thread

Mollyb60 · 12-02-2021 12:32pm

Newly named Totoro (after the Studio Ghibli movie) is settling in well to his new home. He's a huge cat though, way bigger than either of the other 2. And is so friendly. A very vigorous head bumper too.

Unfortunately our existing extremely skittish cat Sionna is having a lot of problems getting used to him. She's so nervous she won't eat her dinner or even dreamies on the opposite side of the door from him and she's hissed at him a number of times now. At least she's not overly aggressive otherwise though, she's a total scardey cat so just runs away from him and hides. He seems unperturbed. So we're hoping it'll just take some time for her to relax with him. We'll keep at it.

Graces7 · 24-02-2021 8:56pm

Mollyb60 wrote: »

Newly named Totoro (after the Studio Ghibli movie) is settling in well to his new home. He's a huge cat though, way bigger than either of the other 2. And is so friendly. A very vigorous head bumper too.

Unfortunately our existing extremely skittish cat Sionna is having a lot of problems getting used to him. She's so nervous she won't eat her dinner or even dreamies on the opposite side of the door from him and she's hissed at him a number of times now. At least she's not overly aggressive otherwise though, she's a total scardey cat so just runs away from him and hides. He seems unperturbed. So we're hoping it'll just take some time for her to relax with him. We'll keep at it.

Molly; yes it will take time. I have the same issues still with Jacob and Oliver, after a couple or three years! BUT they have learned to live alongside in their own way .

I feed the older ones ie Jacob and Boycat, in a separate room from the newbies as a matter of course. To allow then time and space without food being an issue! Jacob lives to eat!

it is a huge thing for a cat to accept a newcomer in their space. They are so territorial. Today I saw Boycat letting little Selkie groom him ! No pressure.

Mollyb60 · 24-02-2021 10:06pm

Thanks Grace, there has been a little bit of defrosting between the 2 cats so it's promising at least. He's taken to chasing her/following her around the house. They've also been witnessed doing the nose to nose greeting so I'm very encouraged by that. The feeding has been a challenge as his tummy was extremely upset by our wet food/dry food. We bought in the food he was on in the shelter and that's sorted him out thankfully. We'll try again to re-introduce the wet food but much much more slowly this time. But he LOVES the wet food so it's been difficult to keep him away from her when she's eating.

We're working it out though and it's been such a joy to have a snuggly cat to get to know. He's a total baby and loves sitting either on my shoulder or in my arms when I'm at the work desk. He's gatecrashed every single meeting I've had over zoom in the last week. My co-workers are very amused by him.

Graces7 · 25-02-2021 10:51am

It all sounds very very good! Cats are just like us; they are wary of new folk then become buddies. With their own initiation rites.

Beautiful cat!

I had the same trouble re food with my three newbies and had the same solution. Added raw chicken as time went on.

Graces7 · 27-02-2021 11:41am

I have just been out sorting a garden bed - or trying to, with Tonto firmly attached to my ankles. purring at top volume .

Such a devoted and happy little cat! Tomtom is learning the same techniques but I am still just a little wary...

They make me smile on the darkest of days.

wotzgoingon · 01-03-2021 12:32am

One of my dogs is going for in a operation tomorrow to get her teeth removed she is 15 years and 4 months old. I'm not sure how many they will remove as they will check them before removal to see which come out and which stay. With her age it can be quite dangerous but she is in pain with them so has to be done. She also has developed a spinal injury in her old age. Her bones have fused to her spine so she walks around with her head down at all times as she cannot lift her head. So she is being through the wars and I hope everything goes well for her tomorrow.

wotzgoingon · 01-03-2021 5:34pm

Well a update on this they didn't do any operation in the end as she is at the start of kidney disease and it's too dangerous as they tested her before the operation. She is just on a tonne of tablets for the rest of her life(teeth, spinal problem and kidney disease) and to feed her a high protein diet and also special expensive dog food.

Graces7 · 02-03-2021 11:12am

Graces7 wrote: »

Molly; yes it will take time. I have the same issues still with Jacob and Oliver, after a couple or three years! BUT they have learned to live alongside in their own way .

I feed the older ones ie Jacob and Boycat, in a separate room from the newbies as a matter of course. To allow then time and space without food being an issue! Jacob lives to eat!

it is a huge thing for a cat to accept a newcomer in their space. They are so territorial. Today I saw Boycat letting little Selkie groom him ! No pressure.

re the edited note; I am worried sick about what I said that was so wrong it needed to be edited; would be far wiser and kinder to ask rather than this post be deleted please than this without reference to the author

kept me awak e last night worrying about iy and came back to deleter that post as it had caused offence.

PLEASE delete my original post therefore. I am too ill to cope with this extra worry. I would not dsay anything offensive om thread especially t his one for any reason, Relly upset about this and think I will close down and avoid pets in future.. My weblog is safer. scuse typos. very ill today

Mollyb60 · 02-03-2021 11:18am

Not sure what that's about Grace, i didn't notice anything offensive in your post. I didn't even notice it had been edited. Not sure why it was edited. Maybe PM DBB to check rather than lose sleep about it?

DBB · 03-03-2021 1:23am

It took me a while to realise what you mean here Graces7... but please stop worrying!
I edited your post simply to fix the quotes in it, so that Mollyb60's post that you quoted became clearly distinct from your own words. Purely a "housekeeping" job to allow the post to read better, and nothing at all for you to worry about

If there was a problem, we'd have let you know! If you (or anyone else) have any concerns about anything like this in future, just drop us a pm, as it has taken me hours to see this due to not being on forum for the day... I'd get a pm far quicker!

Graces7 wrote: »

re the edited note; I am worried sick about what I said that was so wrong it needed to be edited; would be far wiser and kinder to ask rather than this post be deleted please than this without reference to the author

kept me awak e last night worrying about iy and came back to deleter that post as it had caused offence.

PLEASE delete my original post therefore. I am too ill to cope with this extra worry. I would not dsay anything offensive om thread especially t his one for any reason, Relly upset about this and think I will close down and avoid pets in future.. My weblog is safer. scuse typos. very ill today

wotzgoingon · 03-03-2021 5:43pm

Well another monthly update from me. Everyone is probably fed up reading these updates but my dogs age means a lot to me so I said I will post. My eldest dog is now 16 years and 11 months old. One more month till he is 17 if he makes it. He is weak on the legs but is in good health thankfully. But a month is a very long time for a very elderly dog. Who knows next month I may be posting that my dog has hit 17 years old.

Hold My Hand · 03-03-2021 8:31pm

wotzgoingon, I love reading pet posts. My doggie is on my lap and my cats are snuggled up in their beds. Oh to be a pet! I’m watching All Creatures Great and Small. It’s fierce slow moving but perfect viewing for this softie after a busy day at work.

madmaggie · 04-03-2021 12:49am

I have a question for the doggie people on here. I got my 2 year old collie neutered last week. He is now very nervous and on edge, and having outbursts of barking and snapping. Is this down to his hormones being all over the place. I'm determined to stick with him to see if this is just a phase. Any advice please.

anewme · 04-03-2021 9:13am

wotzgoingon wrote: »

Well another monthly update from me. Everyone is probably fed up reading these updates but my dogs age means a lot to me so I said I will post. My eldest dog is now 16 years and 11 months old. One more month till he is 17 if he makes it. He is weak on the legs but is in good health thankfully. But a month is a very long time for a very elderly dog. Who knows next month I may be posting that my dog has hit 17 years old.

I also love these posts about your dog.

Every day is a bonus at this age. We were almost willing our girl to make it to her 16th, but we had to let her go 3 weeks shy of it six weeks ago. Either way, hes had a fantastic life, same as our girl. The big bonus for us was that she never had any health problems whatsoever, till almost the last couple of weeks, when she went downhill.

I know of a girl who had to have her collie cross pts just before Christmas, with a couple of weeks left to go till his 21st birthday. He just could not hang in and initially sue was devastated that he did not get there, but again what a life.

Looking forward to your next update.

Fakediamond · 04-03-2021 9:17am

madmaggie wrote: »

I have a question for the doggie people on here. I got my 2 year old collie neutered last week. He is now very nervous and on edge, and having outbursts of barking and snapping. Is this down to his hormones being all over the place. I'm determined to stick with him to see if this is just a phase. Any advice please.

Maybe he’s in pain, it would be worth bringing him back to the vet to rule that out.

zedhead · 04-03-2021 10:27am

Our poor little Milo seems to be regressing again. We stupidly put off the behaviourist because between mid december and mid january we were seeing such great improvements in his confidence and behaviour but it seems that this new lockdown is not only have negative impacts on us but also on Milo. We can't do our weekly walks in the Phoenix Park as its outside our 5k and it was the best place to practice desensitizing him to other dogs. There is nowhere in our 5k with such a perfect open space that we can almost guarantee the distance to be able to redirect him if he sees another dog.

He has been anxious and hyper aware in the house. We have blocked his view of outside for most of the day but if he hears a car driving by, people talking or even a car door shut about 60% he jumps up and goes and whines/growls or barks at the door. And god forbid someone walks down the driveway or knocks on the door. Have a call with a behaviourist today to see if we can get a virtual appointment because its both frustrating for me and my partner trying to work but also breaks my heart seeing him stressed.

wotzgoingon · 04-03-2021 3:00pm

anewme wrote: »

I know of a girl who had to have her collie cross pts just before Christmas, with a couple of weeks left to go till his 21st birthday..

Wow 21 and I thought my dog was doing amazing nearly hitting 17.

madmaggie · 04-03-2021 4:46pm

Zedhead, I felt so sad for you and Milo when I read your post. I'm convinced our dogs are picking up on our stresses and becoming stressed themselves. It must be so frustrating for you all.

madmaggie · 04-03-2021 4:51pm

Fake diamond, I did speak to the vet, she upped his pain meds. Today he finally wrecked the buster collar, he's delighted he can scratch his ears and clean his paws. He's very fussy about grooming! The vet said keep him in a quiet place, so I'm doing that, with a couple of runs around the back garden. I'm hoping he'll gradually get back to his old happy self.

zedhead · 04-03-2021 4:59pm

madmaggie wrote: »

Zedhead, I felt so sad for you and Milo when I read your post. I'm convinced our dogs are picking up on our stresses and becoming stressed themselves. It must be so frustrating for you all.

Yeh I am so worried we are the reason he has regressed. So we are trying to stay calm and not display our stress around him. We have had a rough few weeks as we are getting married in May so at the moment trying to figure out how to plan 2 different weddings depending on how many guests we are allowed have. Also finding the isolation harder than I was before. Missing my parents terribly, video calls are just not the same.

Its not all bad, obviously he is still brilliant overall. And some of the good behaviours have not regressed at all. His separation anxiety is still gone and all aggression he showed towards my partner is still completely gone. And he is no longer destructive - i almost feel ready to replace the blinds in the kitchen he destroyed

VonVix · 10-03-2021 11:18pm

Feeling really burnt out by the state of animal care in this country (dogs, birds, fish, all of it) the actual amount of neglect of animals just for people's own brief enjoyment. Breed, breed, breed. Tiny crappy tanks/cages/whatever. People are so selfish.

Sorry, rant over. Just feeling sad at the moment, I'm picking up the pieces of peoples neglect of animals on a near daily basis. Half are simply misinformed when they got the animal, the other half just don't care.

anewme · 10-03-2021 11:48pm

VonVix wrote: »

Feeling really burnt out by the state of animal care in this country (dogs, birds, fish, all of it) the actual amount of neglect of animals just for people's own brief enjoyment. Breed, breed, breed. Tiny crappy tanks/cages/whatever. People are so selfish.

Sorry, rant over. Just feeling sad at the moment, I'm picking up the pieces of peoples neglect of animals on a near daily basis. Half are simply misinformed when they got the animal, the other half just don't care.

Thanks for looking after them. On behalf of everyone who cares.

Fakediamond · 11-03-2021 12:34am

madmaggie wrote: »

Fake diamond, I did speak to the vet, she upped his pain meds. Today he finally wrecked the buster collar, he's delighted he can scratch his ears and clean his paws. He's very fussy about grooming! The vet said keep him in a quiet place, so I'm doing that, with a couple of runs around the back garden. I'm hoping he'll gradually get back to his old happy self.

I hope he’s doing better this week.

I’m getting my very nervous rescue terrier spayed on 23rd March and I’m very worried that she will regress in her behaviour. I know it’s the right thing to do but it’s an awful worry. She’s come so far and is a mostly happy little girl, but only at home and in familiar surroundings.

The sooner it’s over the better and she can get on with the rest of her life and so can I, I’m a nervous wreck whenever I think about it!

madmaggie · 11-03-2021 12:53am

I hope all goes well with your girl. She might become a bit clingy and need extra attention.

I changed my dog's food to stuff called Seven. It seems to be very good, no cereals or additives. I won't know for a few weeks if he's calming down. At least he's not giving me the manic stare anymore.

Mollyb60 · 12-03-2021 9:13am

We seem to be having the worst luck with our pets this past year. Our cat Sionna stopped eating yesterday and has been very lethargic which isn't like her at all. So we're booked in to see the vet this morning.
Trying not to worry but this is exactly how the kidney problems with Pangur started to manifest.

Mollyb60 · 13-03-2021 12:48pm

IV drip, blood tests, xray, antibiotics, an overnight stay and approximately £300 later and they think it's a virus. But they're not sure. Nothing showed up on the xray or bloodwork. She's now not eaten anything for 2 days and they're sending her home at 1 with some painkillers. I do think they're a good vet practice but they're not filling me with confidence at the moment.

We just have to hope she starts eating when she gets home. I don't even know what the next step is. :mad:

VonVix · 15-03-2021 10:32pm

Mollyb60 wrote: »

IV drip, blood tests, xray, antibiotics, an overnight stay and approximately £300 later and they think it's a virus. But they're not sure. Nothing showed up on the xray or bloodwork. She's now not eaten anything for 2 days and they're sending her home at 1 with some painkillers. I do think they're a good vet practice but they're not filling me with confidence at the moment.

We just have to hope she starts eating when she gets home. I don't even know what the next step is. :mad:

That all sounds insanely frustrating and worrying.

Any update?

Mollyb60 · 16-03-2021 9:32am

She came home on Saturday and has seemed mostly happy since then. Still not eating well but we're hoping that it's just her tummy isn't back to itself yet. She'll walk all over us and miaow and make out like she's starving but then only eats a little nibble when we go feed her. We can't leave the food out because our other chonk of a cat would just eat it all so we're constantly up and down with her trying to make her eat it.
We were back for a checkup with the vet yesterday and her temp is still elevated so we're continuing with the painkillers for the week and will have another checkup on Friday.

padraig737 · 16-03-2021 5:22pm

Finally got a new addition to the house last Thursday. An incredibly sweet and fun 5 year old German Shepherd. Our Retriever seems to be over the moon with him, they are inseparable. Our last dog died in Jan and the Retriever was miserable, with low energy and upset stomach. He is in great form since he got a new buddy.

The GSD was in the shelter for over a month and became very withdraw and depressed, apparently the breed can go downhill very fast in a pound or shelter compared to some other breeds, but he seems happy now. His last owner died. His eyes were pretty lifeless and dark the day we met him but they seem to have changed alot.

Now I have an extra shadow, he's everywhere. He's so good on the lead and well behaved in general. Very proud of him.

tk123 · 16-03-2021 5:26pm

Ah that’s lovely to read. Bailey was the same with his tummy when we lost Lucy. We’re on a list (#3) and waiting to hear if myself and Bailey are getting a pup for our birthdays in June/July

wotzgoingon · 22-03-2021 12:58am

Well a half a month update on my dogs journey to 17 years old. 2 weeks to go till he hits 17 years old. I cannot believe it but he is getting a lot weaker and sleeps a lot but after a long nap he gets energy and walks about aimlessly in circles and falls and gets stuck in corners. He only has one eye and probably 20% sight left in his only eye. It's hard bringing him out to the toilet as it's as if he has forgotten why I have brought him outside as the same as in the house he walks about aimlessly in circles and it's only if he is absolutely bursting will he go. But he is still strong enough to keep him alive.

He always slept with me but stopped for a long time as he got too weak to make the jump up onto the bed plus he hasn't the strength to make the fall off the bed and I was afraid if he fell off wrong and broke his leg in would most likely have to be put to sleep due to age and long healing, so I decided to let him sleep on either of his two dogs beds. One on the floor in my bedroom or in the kitchen. He would change throughout the night to either one, back when he had more strength. So the past week I moved my mattress to the floor as he can now sleep with me in the last couple of weeks of his life. Which he seems to like which is a good thing. It's mad sleeping on the floor reminds me of staying with my cousins when I was younger.

Anyway long rant but hopefully he makes the next two weeks.

tk123 · 22-03-2021 8:58am

I’m sorry and I don’t mean to offend or upset you.. but you’ve just listed all the things your dogs is unable to do anymore then say that he’s strong enough to “keep alive”.. maybe celebrate his birthday 2 weeks early and let him go? Again I’m sorry if that’s upsetting but you may look back on these posts and regret keeping him going so you can celebrate his birthday.

DBB · 22-03-2021 1:04pm

Awww god, I'm so sorry wotzgoingon... from what you've described, his quality of life, for him, and his loss of dignity, for him, has got to the point that hard questions need to be asked and decisions made, straight away.
The old saying is very pertinent here, better to let them go a week too early (or in this case, perhaps 2 weeks too early?) than a day too late. It's not just about keeping alive

I know, I really do, how difficult it is to come to terms with making this horrible, difficult call, but you certainly don't want to be left with regrets that you could have acted sooner, for his sake.
Have you spoken with your vet in the past few days?

VonVix · 22-03-2021 1:33pm

padraig737 wrote: »

The GSD was in the shelter for over a month and became very withdraw and depressed, apparently the breed can go downhill very fast in a pound or shelter compared to some other breeds, but he seems happy now. His last owner died. His eyes were pretty lifeless and dark the day we met him but they seem to have changed alot.

This is so true, I've seen it even in GSDs when their owner is away on holiday and they're in an unfamiliar environment. They feel intensely towards their human, they can be distraught if they don't know where their owner is.

wotzgoingon · 22-03-2021 3:24pm

He is fine relax guys. He is no where as weak as it sounds in my post. Trust me if he was weak I would be straight into the vet.

DBB · 22-03-2021 3:57pm

wotzgoingon wrote: »

He is fine relax guys. He is no where as weak as it sounds in my post. Trust me if he was weak I would be straight into the vet.

Sorry if my words upset you, there's no easy way to say these things

I'm glad he's not as weak as it seemed, but just to clarify, I was more referring to his lack of ability to orientate himself, his confusion, and his loss of dignity as you described them in your post. I wasn't as concerned about weakness, as such.
Best of luck with whatever decision you make in the end. It's the bit we all dread.

tk123 · 22-03-2021 6:48pm

wotzgoingon wrote: »

He is fine relax guys. He is no where as weak as it sounds in my post. Trust me if he was weak I would be straight into the vet.

I was referring more to quality of life too. Letting Lucy go was the hardest thing I’ve ever done - she was standing in against me for cuddles wagging her tail as the sedation was kicking in

but her quality of life had decreased too much to let her continue. If anything when the vet was telling me with tears in her eyes that they can’t tell owners when it’s time.. I wanted somebody to tell me it was time and take the burden off me. Possibly your hoping he’ll go in his sleep but you could end up in an emergency situation that could be distressing for both of you and where you won’t be able to to have a proper goodbye.

(Again apologies and I’m not trying to be mean/upset you - even writing this reply made me cry thinking of Lucy

it’s a horrible decision to make but the best one to make to end our pets suffering)

apache · 23-03-2021 1:35am

wotzgoingon wrote: »

Well a half a month update on my dogs journey to 17 years old. 2 weeks to go till he hits 17 years old. I cannot believe it but he is getting a lot weaker and sleeps a lot but after a long nap he gets energy and walks about aimlessly in circles and falls and gets stuck in corners. He only has one eye and probably 20% sight left in his only eye. It's hard bringing him out to the toilet as it's as if he has forgotten why I have brought him outside as the same as in the house he walks about aimlessly in circles and it's only if he is absolutely bursting will he go. But he is still strong enough to keep him alive.

He always slept with me but stopped for a long time as he got too weak to make the jump up onto the bed plus he hasn't the strength to make the fall off the bed and I was afraid if he fell off wrong and broke his leg in would most likely have to be put to sleep due to age and long healing, so I decided to let him sleep on either of his two dogs beds. One on the floor in my bedroom or in the kitchen. He would change throughout the night to either one, back when he had more strength. So the past week I moved my mattress to the floor as he can now sleep with me in the last couple of weeks of his life. Which he seems to like which is a good thing. It's mad sleeping on the floor reminds me of staying with my cousins when I was younger.

Anyway long rant but hopefully he makes the next two weeks.

Sounds cruel to me.

wotzgoingon · 23-03-2021 1:51am

So what you want me to get a perfectly healthy dog put down. What I wrote made it sound as if he is on his last legs no he is not. I can bring him outside to go to the toilet and he knows why I brought him out. He can perfectly walk around the house.

anewme · 23-03-2021 9:29am

The walking aimlessly and falling is what I'd find most worrying. It happened our little girl just before we had to let her go.

When she didnt want to eat, we knew that was the end, she had never refused food in her life. Is your little fella still eating?

We were willing her to get to 16, but had to let her go 3 weeks before her 16th birthday. At the time, we were sad for her not to make it, but now, it does not matter. She had so many milestones and was a joy to have, that it does not matter. She needed to leave ,so we helped her and that's the important thing.

Every day is a bonus now with your lad, 2 weeks is a long time when they are that age.

Keep safe.

wotzgoingon · 23-03-2021 6:29pm

Relax guys I was over exaggerating his condition. He is 100% healthy and if he was in a bad way I would be straight into the vets.

wotzgoingon · 23-03-2021 6:52pm

Relax guys this is him just now eating the left overs of my dinner. He is perfectly healthy and does not need to be put to sleep. You can see a few bald patches due to age and one bad piece he snagged off against a car but it will not grow back due to his age.

sunbeam · 25-03-2021 5:10pm

So I'm taking my almost 15 year old Cat to the vet tomorrow for blood tests. She is becoming increasingly restless , agitated and roaring at the top of her lungs as though she is being murdered when she tries to talk to me vocal and the vet suspect hyperthyroidism.

She is already on pain meds for her arthritis.

Stressful day ahead for all....:(

sunbeam · 27-03-2021 3:48pm

*Sigh* So it turns out that she does indeed have hyperthyroidism. Fair play to the vet for picking it up. I'm a bit surprised as they tested for it back in 2019 and she was fine, but I guess with old cats things can change over time.

She will be starting on Thyronorm as soon as I can pick it up next week. I'm not looking for any kind of medical advice here, but am a bit anxious about this to be honest.

On the plus side her kidneys and blood glucose levels are fine.

wotzgoingon · 27-03-2021 5:01pm

sunbeam wrote: »

*Sigh* So it turns out that she does indeed have hyperthyroidism. Fair play to the vet for picking it up. I'm a bit surprised as they tested for it back in 2019 and she was fine, but I guess with old cats things can change over time.

She will be starting on Thyronorm as soon as I can pick it up next week. I'm not looking for any kind of medical advice here, but am a bit anxious about this to be honest.

On the plus side her kidneys and blood glucose levels are fine.

Sorry to hear. Hope she will be fine.

el Fenomeno · 29-03-2021 10:12am

I'm finding salmon oil very hard to come by this year, beginning to think it's one of the products negatively impacted by Brexit. Any logic in that?

Any recommendations for where it may be in stock?

tk123 · 29-03-2021 10:15am

el Fenomeno wrote: »

I'm finding salmon oil very hard to come by this year, beginning to think it's one of the products negatively impacted by Brexit. Any logic in that?

Any recommendations for where it may be in stock?

I get omega wild from healthy hounds https://healthyhoundsnutrition.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw9YWDBhDyARIsADt6sGake1elFfPkWEhFjA6LhpVIRFzOc8jgN0G9DjrVqfdpF6beNS1gI8IaAu4uEALw_wcB

fryup · 29-03-2021 10:48am

is this animal cruelty? look at the state of it, look at the conditions its living in

<snip>

Lady Haywire · 29-03-2021 11:28am

fryup wrote: »

is this animal cruelty? look at the state of it, look at the conditions its living in

No, it's in good condition. Likely that's a yard or area it's being fed in so it's more mucked up than the rest. I'd assume it has access to other ground as it's clean so isn't lying in muck.
Not ideal but not cruelty imo.

fryup · 29-03-2021 11:33am

really? like to get the horse's opinion on that?

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