http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ Daily Kitten Chat Forum Topic: Buying a Kitten for my birthday: TIPS PLEASE! en Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:58:09 +0000 http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482786 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:34:40 +0000 jcat 482786@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>It is very pretty, Marnet, and it grows very very tall, often on the ends of cliffs. There is one at the very top of the North Island, at Cape Reinga, just at the point where the cliff at the end of the island meets the sea, and Maori legend says that the souls of the dead make their way up there then plunge off the tree and dive into the ocean to travel to the afterlife.</p> <p>On a more prosaic note, I always wanted to have one in my garden but they grow so enormous and their favourite pastime is to invade all your water and sewage pipes and break them, so not such a good idea, lol. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482732 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:45:19 +0000 Marnet 482732@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Wow, sounds neat! I admit, having lived all my life in the U.S., I have trouble imagining what a summertime Christmas is like. Each year we see news footage of sunbathers at the beach in Australia for Christmas Day. I'm sure it must seem funny sometimes to have all the Currier and Ives type depictions of snowy Christmas in the middle of summertime! :)</p> <p>Edit: Scurrying to Google to look up a photo of your red blossomed tree!</p> <p>Edit: Oh wow, what a gorgeous tree! Dark green leaves with silvery underside and red blossoms that come out just before Christmas and last through January, the entire Christmas season. No wonder it is NZ's Christmas tree!!! :) </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482729 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:35:36 +0000 jcat 482729@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>What Marnet said, tee hee. Marnet I'm assuming it's green gunky stuff rather than actual pus because I'm sure if there were actual pus, there would be other signs, such as the third eye coming over and the eye being closed or semi-closed most of the time. But still best to get it looked at, Paradox, and Marnet is right, better to go to another vet rather than none at all, just this time.</p> <p>Marnet, NZ Christmas food varies depending on whether you are a die-hard traditionalist (like my English mum) and are determined to serve the traditional turkey (or chicken or lamb) roast dinner with roast vegetables and gravy and Christmas cake etc in the height of summer, or whether you go to the beach and barbecue (although in Wellington it's usually rainy on Christmas Day, just to be perverse) or whether you are sensible and go the summer food and salad way. Typical Chrissy decorations used to be the same in NZ as everywhere else -- i.e. totally incongruous snow scenes and red-breasted robins etc (the NZ robin is, believe it or not, black and very very endangered) but these days we are doing better with more appropriate South Pacific and summer themes. The New Zealand 'Christmas tree' is the pohutukawa, which is a seaside tree with beautiful red blooms. It comes out at this time of year and if it comes out early, we are supposed to be in for a long summer :) </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482727 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:21:28 +0000 Marnet 482727@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Oh yes, pouncing, tussling, bunny kicks, wild romping games of tag, all are perfect kitty play! Hope Bella and Bianca reach that point very soon.</p> <p>I agree with Jcat that it would be good to get Bianca's eyes looked at sooner rather than later, especially if you are going to be gone for awhile. You don't want the infection in her eyes flaring up and/or spreading without you there to notice. And, while you're gone, you won't be able to keep treating her eyes with the tea treatment you've been using. Surely there is a vet somewhere within reasonable distance you can see since your regular vet is out of service due to health issues??? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482726 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:18:31 +0000 Marnet 482726@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Hey, marketers have figured out that we Americans are daft enough to spend inordinate amounts on all sorts of luxuries for our cats. The rest of the world thinks pets are animals. We goofy Americans think they are our four legged children. (Well, they are! LOL)</p> <p>I have to ask, for those of you in Australia and New Zealand, what are typical Christmas decorations, foods, and celebrations? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482725 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:15:40 +0000 Marnet 482725@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Aha, almost playful stalking and slapping is only a step away from truly playful stalking and tussling!</p> <p>Wish you could get Bianca into the vet to get something for that eye. The longer it is infected and oozing pus the worse it is long term for her developing eyesight.</p> <p>Ragdolls are lovely cats with very laid back dispositions. Once she reaches her full adult size Bella is going to be even more stunning than she already is. It's wonderful you found and were able to bring her home.</p> <p>I think Bianca will grow up to be an equally lovely cat in her own right with her own distinct personality. And I still think she and Bella will eventually become close. It just takes time and perhaps Bianca outgrowing the early kitten stage.</p> <p>Where are you going on vacation, if I may ask? And who will be taking care of the cats while you are gone? Will you be boarding them somewhere or have someone come to the house each day to feed them, give them fresh water, and tidy their litter tray? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482724 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:13:54 +0000 jcat 482724@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>'Almost playful' is good! Playful will be better and the day when Bella starts to lick Bianca clean will be the best! Of course, if they're anything like my Libs and Jasper, Bella will then jump on Bianca and Bianca will start bunny kicking Bella and then they'll start chasing each other round the house but that's standard for kitties!</p> <p>Of course Bianca won't stop, Christmas is a kitten's favourite time of year, lol. Just make sure she doesn't manage to get her paws on any tinsel, but if she does, and she swallows any tinsel, and you see a bit hanging out of either end of her, DON'T PULL. It could cut her insides. Get her to a vet.</p> <p>She may well be deaf but I think you would still be wise to get her to a vet to check her eyes before you guys leave for your holidays. </p> <p>We don't have collar-dispensing things here in New Zealand either. Amazing, the technology and cat and kitty paraphernalia they have in the States :) </p> <p>Have a wonderful Christmas with your girls, and a marvellous New Year and a fabulous holiday! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482722 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:01:48 +0000 Paradox 482722@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>The collar dispensing thing seems pretty nifty and convenient but I've never seen such a thing here in Australia, or Sydney at least!<br /> Hmm, they're both still 'stalking each other' and slapping one another although at times, it almost seems playful, I'm not sure.<br /> On the same note, Bianca is so damn cheeky! She's been climbing around the Christmas tree and pulling down decorations and she won't stop, but it's cute.</p> <p>I don't mind hanging around you guys 'cause all of you are so...affectionate, caring and welcoming, a unique bunch, a change from teenagers haha.<br /> There's barely any pus coming out of her eye now so that's a good sign and she seems to have better eye-sight, as with her hearing, I'm not exactly sure. She doesn't respond to whistles or loud noises as alert as Bella is, and when Bella hisses at her just a cm away, she doesn't even seem to notice.<br /> Also, Bella seems to be growing so rapidly now, weighing in at 3.2kg already and her long coat seems to add to her size. I'm pretty sure her growth will be on-going until at least 2 to 3 years of age as that's what I've been told, Ragdolls are quite large domestic cats. </p> <p>Don't worry, I'll be sure to update you all, although I'm going off on a 'holiday' or 'vacation' known in the USA for the Christmas period so I won't be able to reply in the following weeks. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482719 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:16:18 +0000 Marnet 482719@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Paradox, most pet supply stores have a machine where you can pick the size and shape of ID tag you want, you type in the info to appear on the tag, and it etches and dispenses it to you right there. At least such machines are commonly found in such chain stores as Petsmart and Petco here in the U.S. Maybe you could find something like that where you are.</p> <p>Wonderful to hear that Bianca's eyes are improving. That is great news.</p> <p>As to Bella's disdain, eh, it just takes longer with some cats than others. Truthfully, as long as Bella isn't abusing Bianca and you are enjoying both kitties and both are reasonably content and loving with you, then don't push it. They will sort things out in their own time. As much as you want them to be good friends sometimes it just takes a fair amount of time for that to happen.</p> <p>When my Tigger was introduced to an existing cat, Thomas, in the household many years ago, they were flat out enemies for almost three months and then finally became very close buddies who played together and snuggled tightly together all the time. So don't give up hope for Bella and Bianca.</p> <p>Hope all the busy doings leading up to Christmas are fun and pleasant and that you are enjoying your school holidays.</p> <p>Here on the TDK list, we had a bit of fun earlier today imagining how our cats would decorate a Christmas tree. All sorts of fun ideas were suggested such as bubble lights the cats can stare at, sprigs of fresh catnip, peacock feathers, strings of cat treats, dangling shoelaces, bells from cat collars, rumpled wrapping paper under the tree to hide and pounce in, etc.</p> <p>Presents are always nice. Having one's family and their love and having one's pets and their love is better. Enjoy the love, family and feline, and may you have many blessings.</p> <p>It's okay to be busy. We know you have other things to do than spend all your time hanging out with a crowd that is mostly women, many of us middle aged or so. But we do enjoy hearing from you and updates on how you are doing and how the kitties are doing. Please be sure to drop by every few weeks, if you can, even after school starts again, and keep us posted on how Bianca grows and Bella adjusts.</p> <p>And we're interested to know what the vet says about Bianca once you are able to finally get her in to see the vet.</p> <p>How well does Bianca appear to be seeing now that her eyes are improving? And does she still appear to be deaf? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482713 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:53:41 +0000 Paradox 482713@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Sorry for not keeping you anxious, with Christmas coming up, everything is so busy so I couldn't get on lately. </p> <p>I've tried to look around the net for a personalized ID collar, but couldn't find any Aussie stores?<br /> Bianca's eyes are actually healing somewhat however, unfortunately, Bella's relationship with Bianca has barely grew, their feelings are mutual - disdain.<br /> I hope they make progress in the future. </p> <p>On the other hand, how is the jolly season for everyone? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482706 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:10:42 +0000 Marnet 482706@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Paradox, hope all is going well for Bella and Bianca and you. Hope you check in here and give us an update. *gentle petting to both Bella and Bianca* </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/11#post-482166 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:08:34 +0000 Marnet 482166@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Paradox, how are the kitties and you doing? Are Bianca's eyes improved any? </p> <p>Interested folks hope you can give us an update on your precious pair of cats! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481812 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:30:50 +0000 Marnet 481812@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Yes, how is Miss Bella the Explorer today? And how are you???</p> <p>Bella, even though mostly an indoor cat, from what you say, does go out in your garden/yard, correct? So, please do get her an ID tag on a collar so she can find her way home to you the next time she decides to explore outside the confines of your garden. Being a cat and having found her way out once, she will again without doubt.</p> <p>Jcat and Anncetera2 have great advice on how to help acclimate Bella and Bianca to each other. </p> <p>Just keep up the good work, be patient, and ENJOY both your special, beloved kitties!!! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481789 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:09:31 +0000 jcat 481789@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>How is Bella after her adventure? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481784 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:01:43 +0000 Paradox 481784@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>You guys are right, I shouldn't be jumping to conclusions so soon.<br /> Good point, although she is a indoor cat, an ID collar would come in handy.<br /> If there is any progress, I'll be sure to update you guys. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481620 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:59:13 +0000 anncetera2 481620@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Jcat gave some very valuable advice. Separate them for now; they should only have time together if closely supervised. Make sure you feed them separately. Give Bella lots and lots of attention, especially when the kitties are together.</p> <p>However... and this is very important... when the kitties are together, pet and verbally praise Bella *only* when she seems to be tolerating the kitten well. If she growls or hisses toward Bianca, stop petting her immediately and ignore her for a few seconds.</p> <p>After Bella breaks eye contact with Bianca, if she is no longer hostile in body language or verbally, you may pet her again. When she looks at Bianca, if she doesn't hiss or growl or get all tense, pet her and tell her what a good kitty she's being, how tolerant of her new roommate she's being, how this is a good thing.</p> <p>Again, a hiss or a growl stops all petting and attention from you. Being silent and non-threatening toward the kitten will get her attention from you. When you do this, you're rewarding the behavior you want... and ignoring the behavior you don't want. Bella obviously likes you and wants attention from you, so give her positive attention for the behavior you want - and immediately withdraw all attention for behavior you don't want. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481483 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:37:11 +0000 iliketea 481483@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>yay! so glad you found Bella. I echo everyone's advice just give it time....lots of it, Bella will come around </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481451 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:04:17 +0000 jcat 481451@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Thank God she's back home, safe and sound, with you. And it sounds like she didn't go very far...</p> <p>I agree with Marnet and Ladysky, Paradox. I understand how important Bella is to you and it may be that you have to make the decision to rehome Bianca. But I think it's way too early to be making that decision yet. As Marnet says, they have only had a week together. I think it is too soon for them to be living together -- as Ladysky says, I think you need to keep them separate for now, with only short supervised 'play dates' together. Feed Bella separately, and give her lots of games and loving. When they are together (and this will be hard but try), give Bella ALL your attention and hardly any to the kitten. Give Bella treats (biscuits out of your hand, or greenies or something) during this time together, so that she grows to associate the kitten with nice things. Good luck! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481432 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:28:08 +0000 ladysky61 481432@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>As far as Bianca and Bella not getting along, we are going through the same thing with our kitten and older cat. I think the best thing to do is to give both of them lots of love and attention separately. If you can, sequester the kitten in one area of the house, so Bella can have some time alone without being "wrestled" by a playful kitten. I would think that since Bella is barely older than a kitten herself, they would play together, but I guess cats mature much faster then people.<br /> Our kitten steals the older cats food as well. I think we will have to cover it when its not "meal time." Its been 3 weeks with the kitten in the house and now they've gotten to the point where they can sleep together and be in the same room but the kitten keeps trying to wrestle with the older cat and the older cat doesn't want to play. But I think it will work out. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481408 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:46:51 +0000 Mojo 481408@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>I'm glad you found Bella. And I agree with Marnet. Buy Bella a collar and tag with your phone number. Outdoor cats should never be running around without an ID collar. Best thing is to make it a break-away collar so that in case it gets caught in a thicket the collar will break. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481322 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:22:03 +0000 Marnet 481322@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Oh Paradox, I'm soooo relieved you found Bella. Prayers have been answered. And it is quite okay to have had a cry when you thought you might have lost her. Anyone who loves a pet has known such moments of fear and loss.</p> <p>I would strongly suggest that Bella remain strictly indoors for the time being, no matter how much she begs to go out. Until the entire situation calms down between her, you, Bianca, etc. keep Bella inside so she doesn't go wandering again.</p> <p>Before letting her out again, I highly urge you to get Bella a collar and i.d. tag with her name and phone number. If you are going to let her be an outside kitty, she would also do well to be microchipped and the microchip number properly registered. You are far less likely to lose her that way.</p> <p>Please don't give up on Bella adapting to Bianca joining the family. You've had Bianca less than a week. That is not enough time to know whether or not they will become friends. </p> <p>As to Bella snubbing your efforts to pet her, time for some gentle and persistent tough love. Think like a cat. You need to be the "momma cat" to her. It's okay to gently hold her by the scruff, like a mom cat would a kitten, GENTLY squash her down to the floor or your lap, and then firmly but lovingly stroke her in a manner that mimics a mom cat licking her kitten down to wash her. Give her lots of love talk the entire time. If she is a cat you have previously been able to roll onto her back to rub her tummy, finish off the mom cat routine with doing so. That further puts her in submission to you. All this reinforces your dominance. So treat her like you are the mom cat and she the kitten, all with very gentle firmness and sweet talk. Finish off with a treat and play time. Do all this strictly one on one just you and Bella, without Bianca around when you do. </p> <p>If you keep Bella confined, reaffirm your bond with her, and give her more time to adjust to Bianca, I honestly think it will be okay. Ragdolls are rather laid back cats by nature. So she ought to come around in time. You just have to be patient and vigilant to keep her confined home for now.</p> <p>As to being a drama queen, well, that's a cat's privilege. Bella isn't a kitten anymore. She is a young adult cat and you will find that adult cats are often drama queens. It is part of what is so enchanting about them even when it gets exasperating at times. </p> <p>You don't need to feel guilty. As frustrating as it is to deal with the drama for the time being, the current antagonism Bella feels is normal behavior for any cats whenever a new cat is brought into the family. It simply takes time for them to adjust. Bella just needs more time. But you would be wise to keep her strictly inside until she does fully adjust.</p> <p>You might want to very carefully examine the fence to see if there is any sort of hole she might have gotten through. Cats can get through holes much smaller than you might think.</p> <p>Again, it is so wonderful you found Bella.</p> <p>EDIT: Uhm, Paradox, if Bianca is stealing Bella's food dish, then time to give them separate dishes and enforce that Bianca has to leave Bella's dish alone. Again, be the dominant mom cat to Bianca. You have to think like a cat to figure out how to train them. The best way is to behave as the top cat. It is the feline version of how dog owners need to be their pet dog's pack leader. You need to be the dominant mom cat. Sounds strange but it does work. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481317 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:25:06 +0000 Paradox 481317@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>THANK GOD AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS EVERYONE!<br /> We found her! </p> <p>After a VERY VERY SOMBRE dinner with friends for me (I barely spoke a word) I was eager to see if Bella would be laying on my clothing or if the bowl of food would be eaten, but nothing. My heart just sank, so my dad and I decided to look around the block once again, but my sister heard meowing in our garden and it turns out she was in our neighbors backyard (behind us, not besides us). She couldn't make her way over the fence, so we went all the way around to get her. I have to admit, I had a little sob this afternoon, I thought she was gone for good, I was so depressed. </p> <p>HOWEVER, after bringing her in the house again, she immediately sat at the screen door wanting to go out, and she'd reject me if I'd scratch her chin or even stroke her. I think it's evident that she officially hates Bianca and her scent and now even resents me. Honestly, I've been told that if two kittens/cats can't cope together, it's best to find the new kitten/cat a new home. Although I love Bianca as much as I do with Bella, if they cannot bear one another, I think I'll have to give Bianca away :( </p> <p>Thank you for your tremendous support nevertheless.<br /> It's like 25kg have been lifted off my back, thank God, it just shows how much I need Bella and our strong connection just after half a year together. I cannot live without her.<br /> *Deep breath in, deep breath out*<br /> Thank you guys :)</p> <p>EDIT: Shesh, again I feel so bad for Bella and I don't know what to do with Bianca. I was hand feeding Bella while Bianca sneaks down and snatches the whole bowl off her, but Bella didn't attack and I'm sure will never, but Bella hissed and stared then walked off looking as angry as ever. I seriously don't think they'll be friends anytime soon if ever. The intensity of Bella's anger is so apparent and the rejection makes me feel so bad for her, yet Bianca just seems to head rub me right in front of her. It's like the triangular-love drama, if you know what I mean. I feel so guilty and I don't know what to do about it because I'm almost certain now, that Bella will never accept her and Bianca will constantly be the 'drama queen', although I'm not saying I don't like Bianca, I love her. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481310 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:40:31 +0000 owlwatcher_974 481310@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>*says a prayer that Bella returns home safely* </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481307 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:10:43 +0000 Marnet 481307@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>I have to leave for awhile to take care of some work. I'll check in here again later and hope to hear good news. God bless. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481306 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:03:28 +0000 Marnet 481306@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>And leave out some water for her too. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481305 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:02:29 +0000 jcat 481305@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>And leave food out for her on the front or back porch or by the house in the garden -- preferably her favourite or else smelly food like fish. Yes, something else might eat it but it might just draw Bella home. Cats come home when they're hungry... Also check under wheel arches and under the bonnets of any of your cars -- she's probably too big to get under there but if she's not, cats love cars and warm engines. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481304 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:55:48 +0000 Marnet 481304@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Oh yes, and when looking under beds, double check to make sure Bella hasn't crawled up into the underside of the box springs. If the material tacked on the bottom of bed box springs has any loose spot or hole, cats will climb in there and sleep like they are in a hammock. Same thing with sofas and armchairs. Oh yes, and if you have a recliner chair, turn it over and look inside the recliner!</p> <p>Are there any trees or shrubs in your garden? Look up to see if she is in a tree. Look inside and underneath/behind shrubs. Could she have climbed up onto the roof? Down into a window well? Into a cellar? Think like a cat.</p> <p>After you've looked everywhere a cat could be, start looking everywhere inside and outside a cat can't be and you'd be surprised to find she just might be somewhere impossible. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481303 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:54:10 +0000 jcat 481303@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Marnet's right, little Bianca can feel your stress and she needs your reassurance -- plus, cuddling a loving kitten will make you feel better too. Can Bella get UNDER your house? Libs spends a lot of time under mine and that's where the local strays seem to gather too... </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481302 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:50:52 +0000 Marnet 481302@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Paradox, you are not whining or melodramatic. You are worried, scared, and simply want to know that the kitty you love greatly is safe. </p> <p>I pray Bella soon turns up safe and sound. Be sure to give Bianca love at this stressed time and don't neglect her out of any misplaced sense of guilt. Cats have a way of going off exploring sometimes. </p> <p>You'd be amazed how cats can go into hiding for long hours at times. I've had mine do an all day all night disappearing act more than once that had me frantic and fearing they had gotten outside. (I live where it isn't safe to let mine outside at any time.) Then hours and hours later they turn up acting like everything is normal and I never have a clue where they've been hiding even after tearing the house apart many times over.</p> <p>Try to keep positive. *hugs to you and prayers for Bella* </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/14297/page/10#post-481301 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:48:38 +0000 jcat 481301@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Don't worry, you can always come and vent here, most of us have been there. Of course you're worried, she's your girl. You're not whinging and you're not being melodramatic. </p> <p>Maybe it's good that you're going out tonight, it may help you get your mind off things, and if it doesn't, and people ask what's wrong, you can explain and maybe get some more volunteers to help look, if that becomes necessary.</p> <p>Then, when you come back, and it's later and quieter, do the calling and whistling and shaking food packet thing again. The website I put the link to above recommends a dog whistle as they carry further. Put an unwashed sweater or similar of yours outside the front and back doors, so Bella can follow her nose home. (Make sure it smells of you, not Bianca.) </p> <p>Tomorrow, first thing, ring any local shelters, SPCA, anything like that, to see if anyone's picked her up. I am still hoping she will come home tonight, when it's quieter and the coast is clear.</p> <p>Meanwhile, as the website says:<br /> The point is, look in EVERY nook and cranny. Don’t assume that your pet would never crawl into some tiny space.<br /> Look behind, under, and inside washing machines, clothes dryers, stoves, refrigerators, and dish washers. Look behind water heaters, in boxes, under furniture, under beds, in closets, in cabinets, in shelves and bookcases, in drain pipes, in sewer drains, in culvert pipes, under vehicles, in crawl spaces under the house, inside sheds and barns, etc. In the case of cats, also look in attic crawl spaces, on the roof, in roof gutters, and up in the trees.</p> <p>And, I'll add, open every drawer in every chest of drawers, in every room. If there's clothes stored in there, and someone left it open wide enough for Bella to squeeze through, she probably did. We had a cat used to love to climb into the tea towel drawer in the kitchen cupboards and my Libs LOVES any kind of open drawer, even if it's full of office stuff, she's trying to get in there. </p>