Best Laid Plans

[crandc]

After my little Zoey died everyone wanted to land me with another cat. I hated it when people talked about replacing Zoey as if she was a car that broke down.

My surviving cat was my feral Margot. Untamable. She comes in twice a day to eat, sometimes in cold weather sleeps indoors but I can't get closer than 3 feet from her. After 11 years she is not going to become a pet. But I noticed she was happier as the solo cat. She is so very timid she was always low cat in pecking order. Now, no one can take her treats and she can sit in the best spots in the garden.

I thought maybe I'd consider a new cat later in the year. I'm busy with work & the campaign and other stuff, then comes Thanksgiving. Around the holidays would be a good time to meet some cats and see if any showed affinity for me. An adult, definitely a female, prefer a calico or maybe a longhair.

Last weekend my niece did a rescue. A feral cat had a litter where an overhang in their yard forms a very small cave. Too small for anything but a cat to enter. Niece was able to entice and socialize two of the kittens. Every no kill shelter is over full. My sister in law has cat allergy. My niece brought the kittens to me. I guess they figured once the cats arrived.... even though I am really too busy to integrate them into my life and I did not want kittens or two cats. They appeared to be a male and female. Oh yes, gray tabbies. Wrong color. My sister in law suggested naming them Bernie and Hillary. However, there is a reason to name only after fictional characters or people safely dead; they can't piss me off. I looked around my library for inspiration and lit on War and Peace. Natasha and Nikolai, the Rostov siblings. At least I had one female. And of course they are cute. They are kittens!

Yesterday took them for initial veterinary visit. Oh dear. The vet explained that since they are only about 6 weeks, sometimes a cat's testicles have not yet descended, but she could feel them. "Natasha" is male. I have two boys. While cats don't really care what their name is, no way could Natasha Rostova be other than a woman. I had to come up with two names in short order and veterinary clinics are not the best place for inspiring ideas. So while they entered as Nikolai and Natasha, they left as Cassidy and Sundance, because no way in hell would I name a cat Butch. I wish I could have thought of something more elegant than a 60s outlaw flick but I can't keep changing their names or they'll never learn them.

Today Cassidy's testicles popped out.

Wrong time. Wrong age. Wrong number of cats. Wrong sex. Wrong color.

But when I come into their room they purr and run to me.

My niece is working with rescue to get mama cat spayed and try to catch the third kitten. So I may end up with another. Please, a female!

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Youre awesome @crandc. Thank goodness there are people like you taking care of our precious felines. I really appreciate your love and dedication to them.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

When we had to have our old chihuahua put down a few years ago my wife wanted to wait months to get a new dog. I told her she gives dogs a better life than 90 percent of the human population of this country get. We went and got a puppy even though we always get older dogs. We usually want older ones because they have less chance of being adopted but this little brindle coat mixed chihuahua got her instantly.

He's been the best dog we've ever had and I always encourage people to get one ASAP if they can. He would have been adopted anyway but getting any animal out of the shelter is a grand thing to do.

 

[Rhal]

I'm glad you ended up with some more cats, you genuinely seem to love cats and from your previous posts and take very good care of them. To many people in this country don't take good care of there pets so its always heartwarming when someone you know will take great care of their pets gets a few more. My wife never wanted another dog after Sadey passed earlier this summer, she was quiet emphatic about that point, but I'v found her looking at shelters and other sites for types of dogs we would want and she is now really wants another one. We may end up with one after Christmas since I will not have a new dog in the house while its peek season at work, but I can tell you I miss having a pet in my life that wants to play and wants attention every single day.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

"Natasha" is male. I have two boys. While cats don't really care what their name is, no way could Natasha Rostova be other than a woman. I had to come up with two names in short order and veterinary clinics are not the best place for inspiring ideas. So while they entered as Nikolai and Natasha, they left as Cassidy and Sundance, because no way in hell would I name a cat Butch. I wish I could have thought of something more elegant than a 60s outlaw flick but I can't keep changing their names or they'll never learn them.

SlyPokerCat!

But honestly, Marlo & Omar would have been bad ass!

 

[crandc]

Who are Marlo and Omar?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Who are Marlo and Omar?

I'm guessing he's referencing characters from "The Wire", a show I've never seen, but hear was amazing.

 

[e_blazer]

Congrats on the new feline friends, crandc. Cute little rascals, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for a female addition to the family.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Who are Marlo and Omar?

HBO's The Wire.

Rent, watching streaming on HBO or Amazon, or borrow from a friend or I bet even your library has it, but make a weekend of it. Some of the best story telling in any medium ever.

 

[MARIS61]

Who doesn't think kittens are cute?

Nice that you have some males around the house now.

 

[crandc]

I had Orlando and Rudy, although both have left us.
Maris, do remember, they are going to be neutered.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Nice that you have some males around the house now.

I had Orlando and Rudy, although both have left us.
Maris, do remember, they are going to be neutered.

I hope you're not insinuating that genitalia defines gender.

The real question is whether these kittens self-identify as male, although I guess it really doesn't matter, as long as they're permitted to use whichever litter-box makes them feel most comfortable.

 

[crandc]

We have a gender neutral litter box. It's really more a question of which cat litter makes them feel most comfortable.

 

[H.C.]

Do you prefer female animals because you believe they behave better?
Not trying to start something just curious.~

 

[crandc]

The cat who raised me was female. Then I had a succession of calicos, became very fond of calicos, who are 98% female. And yes a little feminism there, I'd prefer female to male cats.

Orlando, my first male cat, was gay. No joke. The two feral kittens both thought he was their mom and he did as well. He nursed them when they were kittens, hunted for them. He loved Margot but loved Rudy especially, they were always together and cried if separated. They slept with paws around each other. Rudy was feral for me; he and Margot were Orlando's cats, not my cats.

So yeah, I was going to find a calico female. By sheer coincidence the book on top of my To Be Read pile was Best Cat Every by Cleveland Amory, the third in his trilogy about his cat Polar Bear. Polar Bear went into renal failure and had to be euthanized. Amory talks about how awful when people say "replace the cat" but adds that eventually a human will decide it is time for a new companion ... but in reality the animals are the ones who decide. He said if someone says "no more pets" then the live of the dead animal loses meaning. If Snowflake, Sweetie Pie, Celia, Brandon, Rosalind, Orlando, Rudy, Sophie, Zoey do not inspire me to make a home for homeless animals, then their message is lost.

But so many little graves in my garden.

Happier note, last night Cassidy and Sundance entertained the Clinton phone bank volunteers - I host a Monday night phone bank. Last one since starting this weekend all small phone banks are being consolidated into massive ground game to GOTV. They LOVED all the attention but at the end were so tired, I put them on the blanket in their room and they went out like lights.

 

[H.C.]

Oh I don't care if it's based off feminism or not on your choice of gender for animals. Just was curious.
My biological father and I have spoke about animals over the years.
He questions the fact why I don't have a preference. Simply because he believes female animals behave better.
However he's coming to realize animals are animals. Unless it's sex, they don't differentiate by gender much.
But he also understands that I have far more knowledge on animals than he or most people will ever know due to my choice of study/school.
Therefore he listens to me. Which is good considering his two 8 month old dogs are tearing up his backyard and he didn't know what to do.

While I do have other questions none of them matter...
Simply because at the end of the day, it makes me smile when anyone rescues or adopts an animal instead of buy from a mill.

Thank you for saving a life Crandc.

 

[crandc]

The vet says neutered males are more mellow than females. Personally I think I like the edge that my Zoey had.
Of course, the surgery is much cheaper on a male cat and they recover more quickly.

Honestly, a matter of taste, like saying what coat color do you like. No right or wrong. Just give the animal a good home and be a well behaved human servant to you cat.

 

[H.C.]

Oh that's the short statement most vets give. I've personally never came across a vet that gives the lengthy answer to clients.
As it's basically a 10 minute monologue that people with lives don't really have the time to listen to.
However it's a totally true statement, but the majority of animals it's not the mellow that we as humans define it as.
I won't get into it because I'm positive no one wants to read about animal psych.
Heck I didn't enjoy the class all that much myself.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

 

[crandc]

Tough news. Took kittens for second shots last Wednesday. I was concerned because they are uncoordinated; clumsy and cats are not words we generally associate. And Sundance has noticeable tremor. I set them on the floor and asked vet to watch them walk. I hoped she'd say they will grow out of it, but she watched, examined them, and said they appear to have neurological damage. Possibly their mother caught a viral infection during pregnancy that damaged the fetal kittens. Their cognition seems unimpaired, they are learning all their cat things, but might need to stay indoors their entire lives for their own safety as they might never be able to run or climb normally. They are apparently unaware anything is wrong and are very happy. They have food, warm place to sleep, toys, each other, a doting human; they purr and play. Not clamoring to go out. I can live with uncoordinated cats, although I have always admired cats' grace and agility. But we don't know if they are stable as they are, or will decline. Just no way to know exactly how much damage they have. If they decline, and can't walk or eat normally, they will have to be put to sleep. Even more, while Cassidy has gained weight and size, Sundance gained only 2 oz. and is way below what his weight should be. He's not petite, he's skinny. He eats, he doesn't grow. She said sometimes kittens, like human babies, just don't thrive for unknown reasons and Sundance may not thrive.

It's just wait and see for now.
Even if you hate me, send the kitties good thoughts. They haven't harmed a mouse, and are not likely to.

Surely week from hell.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Tough news. Took kittens for second shots last Wednesday. I was concerned because they are uncoordinated; clumsy and cats are not words we generally associate. And Sundance has noticeable tremor. I set them on the floor and asked vet to watch them walk. I hoped she'd say they will grow out of it, but she watched, examined them, and said they appear to have neurological damage. Possibly their mother caught a viral infection during pregnancy that damaged the fetal kittens. Their cognition seems unimpaired, they are learning all their cat things, but might need to stay indoors their entire lives for their own safety as they maight never be able to run or climb normally. They are apparently unaware anything is wrong and are very happy. They have food, warm place to sleep, toys, each other, a doting human; they purr and play. Not clamoring to go out. I can live with uncoordinated cats, although I have always admired cats' grace and agility. But we don't know if they are stable as they are, or will decline. Just no way to know exactly how much damage they have. If they decline, and can't walk or eat normally, they will have to be put to sleep. Even more, while Cassidy has gained weight and size, Sundance gained only 2 oz. and is way below what his weight should be. He's not petite, he's skinny. He eats, he doesn't grow. She said sometimes kittens, like human babies, just don't thrive for unknown reasons and Sundance may not thrive.

It's just wait and see for now.
Even if you hate me, send the kitties good thoughts. They haven't harmed a mouse, and are not likely to.

Surely week from hell.

Damn, that's rough. Whatever ends up happening they couldn't ask for a better doting human. Good thoughts to you and them.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Tough news. Took kittens for second shots last Wednesday. I was concerned because they are uncoordinated; clumsy and cats are not words we generally associate. And Sundance has noticeable tremor. I set them on the floor and asked vet to watch them walk. I hoped she'd say they will grow out of it, but she watched, examined them, and said they appear to have neurological damage. Possibly their mother caught a viral infection during pregnancy that damaged the fetal kittens. Their cognition seems unimpaired, they are learning all their cat things, but might need to stay indoors their entire lives for their own safety as they maight never be able to run or climb normally. They are apparently unaware anything is wrong and are very happy. They have food, warm place to sleep, toys, each other, a doting human; they purr and play. Not clamoring to go out. I can live with uncoordinated cats, although I have always admired cats' grace and agility. But we don't know if they are stable as they are, or will decline. Just no way to know exactly how much damage they have. If they decline, and can't walk or eat normally, they will have to be put to sleep. Even more, while Cassidy has gained weight and size, Sundance gained only 2 oz. and is way below what his weight should be. He's not petite, he's skinny. He eats, he doesn't grow. She said sometimes kittens, like human babies, just don't thrive for unknown reasons and Sundance may not thrive.

It's just wait and see for now.
Even if you hate me, send the kitties good thoughts. They haven't harmed a mouse, and are not likely to.

Surely week from hell.

I'm sorry to hear about your kitties, especially Sundance. I do hope you'll keep us updated on their progress.

 

[santeesioux]

Tough news. Took kittens for second shots last Wednesday. I was concerned because they are uncoordinated; clumsy and cats are not words we generally associate. And Sundance has noticeable tremor. I set them on the floor and asked vet to watch them walk. I hoped she'd say they will grow out of it, but she watched, examined them, and said they appear to have neurological damage. Possibly their mother caught a viral infection during pregnancy that damaged the fetal kittens. Their cognition seems unimpaired, they are learning all their cat things, but might need to stay indoors their entire lives for their own safety as they maight never be able to run or climb normally. They are apparently unaware anything is wrong and are very happy. They have food, warm place to sleep, toys, each other, a doting human; they purr and play. Not clamoring to go out. I can live with uncoordinated cats, although I have always admired cats' grace and agility. But we don't know if they are stable as they are, or will decline. Just no way to know exactly how much damage they have. If they decline, and can't walk or eat normally, they will have to be put to sleep. Even more, while Cassidy has gained weight and size, Sundance gained only 2 oz. and is way below what his weight should be. He's not petite, he's skinny. He eats, he doesn't grow. She said sometimes kittens, like human babies, just don't thrive for unknown reasons and Sundance may not thrive.

It's just wait and see for now.
Even if you hate me, send the kitties good thoughts. They haven't harmed a mouse, and are not likely to.

Surely week from hell.

I really hope they make a recovery, as little as my thoughts are worth, I'm sending you and your kittens some good ones.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Tough news. Took kittens for second shots last Wednesday. I was concerned because they are uncoordinated; clumsy and cats are not words we generally associate. And Sundance has noticeable tremor. I set them on the floor and asked vet to watch them walk. I hoped she'd say they will grow out of it, but she watched, examined them, and said they appear to have neurological damage. Possibly their mother caught a viral infection during pregnancy that damaged the fetal kittens. Their cognition seems unimpaired, they are learning all their cat things, but might need to stay indoors their entire lives for their own safety as they maight never be able to run or climb normally. They are apparently unaware anything is wrong and are very happy. They have food, warm place to sleep, toys, each other, a doting human; they purr and play. Not clamoring to go out. I can live with uncoordinated cats, although I have always admired cats' grace and agility. But we don't know if they are stable as they are, or will decline. Just no way to know exactly how much damage they have. If they decline, and can't walk or eat normally, they will have to be put to sleep. Even more, while Cassidy has gained weight and size, Sundance gained only 2 oz. and is way below what his weight should be. He's not petite, he's skinny. He eats, he doesn't grow. She said sometimes kittens, like human babies, just don't thrive for unknown reasons and Sundance may not thrive.

It's just wait and see for now.
Even if you hate me, send the kitties good thoughts. They haven't harmed a mouse, and are not likely to.

Surely week from hell.

Awwwww, poor kitties. Even if there were any reasons to hate you (which there aren't) the love and care you give to a defenseless animal would cancel that out anyway.

Good luck to the kitties, I know they have a good human on their side and that is more than can be said for a lot of pet caretakers.

I'm not really a cat person, love kittens but don't want cats. Still, these creatures love you back.

 

[BlazerWookee]

Thoughts and prayers for you and your kitties, crandc. I may be a pad sander on occasion when communication with people I disagree with, please don't misinterpret it as hatred.

 

[Denny Crane]

Man that is tough.

If the cat can't walk straight, neurological issues are likely. Unless the cat is on drugs (like after surgery).

We have one cat that we rescued from a drain pipe behind our office. Its mother was feral and ate mostly bugs, thus her milk wasn't great nutritionally. The kitten we adopted throws up a lot and has had stomach problems all along. He's been super skinny all his life, but at least recently he's been able to keep his food down more and has put on noticeable weight. We've had him 10 years now.

Another cat we have was rescued from a no kill animal shelter in the Vegas area. They all were sick and he was being given drugs for an upper respiratory issue. We took him right away to our vet and took care of him best we could. He still has breathing issues and sneezes a lot. Had him over 10 years, too.

Never had much luck with female cats. The males have always been friendlier. Maybe mixing the two sexes isn't all that great.

 

[e_blazer]

Tough news. Took kittens for second shots last Wednesday. I was concerned because they are uncoordinated; clumsy and cats are not words we generally associate. And Sundance has noticeable tremor. I set them on the floor and asked vet to watch them walk. I hoped she'd say they will grow out of it, but she watched, examined them, and said they appear to have neurological damage. Possibly their mother caught a viral infection during pregnancy that damaged the fetal kittens. Their cognition seems unimpaired, they are learning all their cat things, but might need to stay indoors their entire lives for their own safety as they might never be able to run or climb normally. They are apparently unaware anything is wrong and are very happy. They have food, warm place to sleep, toys, each other, a doting human; they purr and play. Not clamoring to go out. I can live with uncoordinated cats, although I have always admired cats' grace and agility. But we don't know if they are stable as they are, or will decline. Just no way to know exactly how much damage they have. If they decline, and can't walk or eat normally, they will have to be put to sleep. Even more, while Cassidy has gained weight and size, Sundance gained only 2 oz. and is way below what his weight should be. He's not petite, he's skinny. He eats, he doesn't grow. She said sometimes kittens, like human babies, just don't thrive for unknown reasons and Sundance may not thrive.

It's just wait and see for now.
Even if you hate me, send the kitties good thoughts. They haven't harmed a mouse, and are not likely to.

Surely week from hell.

Well that is just awful news, crandc. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that the kitties start to do better.

 

[H.C.]

Sorry to hear about your kittens.
I don't know your vet or where you're taking them so I'll just share my experience and you can take what you want from that.
When I was younger I took a dog that picked me at OHS to a walk-in-vet with my grandparents.
During that appointment she deemed while watching my dog walk, he had nerve damage in his back legs.
I took her word at face value because I was young and she went to school to be a Vet.
A few years later I went to a vet who is currently on the ABVP board.(One of only fifteen in the state of Oregon)
I told him about this, he did a quick test with the dogs paw and said. "No he has no nerve damage, see this test proves it."
Then went on later to diagnose his issue.
Later googling and starting my college education learning about animals. I found out the first vet I went to basically diagnosed the dog without even doing the most simplistic tests.

Not saying the professional you took your kittens to did you, like I was done. Just sharing my experience~