Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Introductions

1. 

   Hello everyone!

   I decided to post today after googling about a subject on cats and lillies and it took me to a post in this forum; http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17752?replies=14#post-417997

   I live in the UK and have a beautiful tabby called Babs (Barbara). She's just over a year and a half old. The sad thing is we lost her sister called Tuxy (lovely black fur with white chest and paws) 2 weeks ago and devastatingly watched her go under the wheels of a car.

   Today I woke up to hearing Babs vomit and at that point had no idea about lillies being poisonous for cats or I definitely would not have them anywhere near the house. She seems fine and is eating well, I am due to take her to the vets in 2 hours to check her over. I am so worried but she does seem ok am playing well too, I'm keeping a close eye on her. I'll update once I know.

   I wanted to ask your advice on something. Since Tuxy left us I've been very nervous about letting Babs outside. They were always fine near roads and this is a quiet one but I feel I really can't risk it at the moment. She is such an active cat and would not adjust well to being indoors too long. Acting on some advice I've purchased a Puppia harness for her. The other cat harnesses didn't quite fit or feel sturdy enough - plus she seems to have grown into herself in the last two weeks. Not fatter, just bigger.

   My question is, is it likely Babs will take to Harness walking short term (until I move / feel it's safe for her to go outside)? We have lovely fields nearby - much better than what she has access to freely. I'm hoping this would be ok for her - do you think she'll get used to it?

   Have you used a harness on your cats/kitties? They're so precious to us, I want to know I'm doing the right thing for her. Fingers crossed about the lillies too..

   Thank you! I'm looking forward to posting here x

   Posted 2 years ago by Kaefie #

2. 

   Welcome Kaefie! Your Babs is beautiful, I am so sorry about you losing Tuxy and to witness that must have been horrible. I hope Babs comes out just fine at the vet's! As far as the harness goes, I have to say I haven't had any experience with that, but I know there will be others who have and can give you loads of good advice! My avatar is Gizmo, and I hail from the US, Wisconsin. I look forward to your posts and pics!

   Posted 2 years ago by katthays #

3. 

   Welcome to TDK Kaefie!...... I live in a big City, Tampa in Florida, so I could never let my cats roam free..... I tried a harness with Abby (my meezer), but she absolutely HATED it!.... maybe I just didn't give it enough time......I do however, had a cute little cat "stroller" that she loves, and I take her for walks by the Bayshore in it...... it's like a carrier that fits in a stroller base, with mesh sides and fronts so she can see out...... she loves to travel with me, so she is used to plane flights and car rides in her carrier, so the stroller was no problem for her......

   .... I've heard that many people put the harness on their car to wear around the house, so they get used to it......you might try that......

   .... finally, it seems to be a region thing as to whether you let your cats go outside or not..... most of us in the US cities have "indoor" only cats because of safety issues from traffic, or predators..... however, in places like NZ, our Kiwi friends typically have cat flaps so their cats can come and go as they please..... they do not live in busy places, and don't have threats from predators...... there are also many from the UK here, depending on where they live, they may or may not let them out........

   ..... I look forward to getting to know you and your furbabies! Cute avatar!

   Posted 2 years ago by AV #

4. 

   i have a 17 year old kitty that goes outside with a harness and lead and she's fine with it. try putting the harness on her and let her be indoors with it for a couple of days. i guarantee she'll be fine !!!

   Posted 2 years ago by CSBM #

5. 

   Welcome to TDK! I'm so sorry about Tuxy. I have 3 kitties, all indoors! However my oldest kitty (14 yrs) spent her first 12 yrs as indoor/outdoor kitty. She still wants out, but has otherwise adjusted. My son has several of his kitties that use a harness, it took a little time to get them used to it but now they do fine. He started slowly by putting it on one of the kitties and let them roam around the house with it on for short period of time, then added the leash and walked inside the house to get them used to that, now they take nice long walks often!!

   Posted 2 years ago by 2bpurring #

6. 

   Welcome. My Emma walks on a leash and enjoys outings. Gracie and Thierry...not so much. If you provide adequate playtime and toys she should get enough activity and stimulation being an indoor cat. Mine have some strategically placed seats where they can watch the birds and outside activities. Where I live there are too many dogs who run loose to ever let mine outside. Since they have each other to play with, interactive toys and playtime with mum and dad they don't ever try to go outside and don't seem to act like they are missing out on anything. Emma was a stray who had been rescued by an organization and then adopted by us. She knows what it is like to have been outside and given the choice she will not go out willingly even if a door is wide open. She knows about cars, dogs, predators, mean people, cold, hunger, abandonment and will not trade her soft existance and plentiful catfood for even a minute out of doors unless she is safely connected to mama on a harness and leash. Then she knows that she wont get lost again.

   Posted 2 years ago by KYKAT 12 23 #

7. 

   Hi Katthays, Abbigaleviolet and Cheri!

   Thank you the welcome and for the kind words - Gizmo and Abby are supercute! Gizmo was the name of a dear cat I used to know. Abby reminds me of a Burmese I looked after for someone once - I miss them both! My avatar is of Babs of course - looking to go out - on the RARE occasion that I get a full faced pic of her. Always turns away when I click the camera!

   Cheri - 17 is a grand age - she must be a fighting fit kitty! Thank you for that advice, the harness is definitely an option.

   I did once take Babs and Tux down to the beach when they were smaller - they seemed to love it - if not a bit wary of the what on earth the great mass of water was! So adorable. I will indeed have to try this harness. I've been advised to leave it in the the house for her to sniff out for a couple of days, then try to leave it on her for a while to get her used to it. I may just spend a whole afternoon sitting outside with her on the grass and seeing if she takes to it, I hope she does!

   The cars just seem to be going alarmingly fast outside the house nowadays. That is why I moved from south London to this place more in the country.. well I'll let you know how the harness goes when I get it. Also hope the vet appointment goes well.

   I look forward to posting with you all again x

   Posted 2 years ago by Kaefie #

8. 

   Hello 2BPurring and Kykat! Thank you for the kind welcomes, I must have missed your posts when I was typing.

   That's helped loads thank you, I was so worried if I was doing the right thing. I think I was just worried about not only Babs loosing her sister and companion but having her stay inside after she was always so much more adventurous that Tuxy was. I will give the harness a go!

   Pretty kitties you both have, cats are just beautiful. I do hope the vet check will be ok re. the lillies too.. that is so worrying. You know I googled the things that are harmful to cats - there are supposedly loads including chrysanthemums!

   After Tuxy died, I was dubious about getting another but I may do again in time. Have any of you ever brought a new kitten into the house with a young cat?

   Posted 2 years ago by Kaefie #

9. 

   Hello all, since I mentioned Tuxy here, I thought I'd add this here in case you know anyone that may want this service: http://www.in-memory-of-pets.com/personalcandles.php?ID=78011
   Kx

   Posted 2 years ago by Kaefie #

10. 

    Kae, Gracie was 7 months old when we got Emma who was a year old, two weeks later we got Thierry who was 10 weeks old. We introduced slowly and they all came to terms with who was going to be Alpha Cat and got along fine. Emma was alpha but when we moved to a new house suddenly Gracie emerged as the Alpha Cat and Emma took a subordinate role. Poor Thierry, always the Omega. He doesn't mind as the girls do not pick on him much, they mostly baby him and treat him like he is still 10 weeks old!

    Posted 2 years ago by KYKAT 12 23 #

11. 

    Kae, Tuxy was very beautiful and so is Babs. If you would like to meet all my kitties just click on my avatar and it will take you to my kitties catster page. Does Babs have a catster page?

    Posted 2 years ago by 2bpurring #

12. 

    Hi Kykat, that is sweet! I was once looking after a male and female along with Babs and Tux (both females). Bless him, was also always the omega, getting little bops on the nose, but big cuddles the next! Indeed , I will be introducing another at some point this year, would love her to have another companion!

    Hi 2BPurring, thank you and yes I'd love to meet the kitties! How do I set Catster up through the avatar?

    I'm off to the vets with Babs soon, speak to you in a bit..

    Posted 2 years ago by Kaefie #

13. 

    Kaefie, that link to Tuxy you posted made me tear up...how beautiful.

    Posted 2 years ago by katthays #

14. 

    Hello Kaefie! Welcome to TDK. I am so sorry about your losing Tuxy and to witness the whole tragic event must have been horrific for you. Babs is quite beautiful by the way. Tuxy was a cutie too. My kitties are indoor only with only being able to go out on the outside balcony when I am watching them.

    Posted 2 years ago by SylMiaFelixMomma #

15. 

    Welcome Kaefie! I loved your memorial to Tuxy, and of COURSE my favorite songwriter, Elton John's "Candle in the Wind"

    I have some friends who leave harnesses on their kitties all the time, just like some folks use collars for their furkids.

    If you go to catster.com, you can create pages for dear Tuxy as well as Babs.

    I have two kitties, Tansey (who's 15 1/2) and Hermes, he's my avatar and he's 5 1/2 years old. Both are my joyful mischief-makers and purrbots.

    Posted 2 years ago by Siobhan #

16. 

    Welcome to the TDK Litter...a wonderful tribute for Tuxy. I would take
    Babs out on a harness/leash! I take my kitcats Dot & Crockey out that way. If you are patient and have a longer leash you can sort of enjoy the outdoors with them!

    Posted 2 years ago by jeankit #

17. 

    Welcome Kaefie ! I have two furrbutts - Chloe (age 6 1/2) and Mili (age 2) It was a long process to get them to get along. Chloe was my only cat for almost 4 years before I brought Mili into the mix. Patience is the key word. They are fine now... not cuddle together friends, but they do actually sit next to each other on occasion. lol

    Posted 2 years ago by 2 Popoki #

18. 

    Hi and welcome Kaefie. I am so sorry about Tuxy. How horrible for you to have witnessed Tuxy's passing. I hope to hear more about Babs and get to know you as well. I have 2 kitties, both are Tuxies..Fred is about 11 years old or so and is a 20lb kitty. He is a gentle giant and just is a love bug. Cricket is 4 years old and just so cute. She and Fred are the best of buddies. I have never put any harness on my cats, but I would think once they get used to it, it would be 2nd nature to them. I live in Cleveland, Ohio and with the cars and the predators here, I would never let them outside, they are strictly indoor kitties :)
    Welcome again!!

    Posted 2 years ago by cricketsmama #

19. 

    Welcome Kaefie from California,USA. I'm so sorry for your loss of beautiful Tuxy. What a horrible thing to witness. My heart goes out to you & Babs (also a beauty) for the loss of her sister.
    Offering Prayers of Peace in your heart. And Special wishes that Babs vet visit shows she's okay.

    {{{HUGS}}}

    Posted 2 years ago by feral #

20. 

    Hello everyone! Thank you for the kind greetings, this is a lovely forum I'm so glad I posted here.

    Katthays, it is a lovely idea, makes me tearful looking at it. Tuxy was another one who would look away from the camera as soon as I pressed the button! I have some lovely photos of both of them together though, I must look into catster!

    SylvesterMiasMomma! Yes it was, focusing on Babs has helped a great deal. I know she's mourning too, so am giving her lots of play and attention. Your kitties remind me of Babs and Tux (Bux) :-) so pretty they are..

    Hey Siobhan, yes they do such a good thing for people that want that memory, and it's free. Also family and friends can access it easily. I realised that song was on today, Elton is fab - they seem to change the music every so often. I'm feeling so much better about the harness idea the more I read. Hermes does indeed look mischievous I love it! Must look into catser too, 2BPurring mentioned it earlier, thanks!

    Jeankit - absolutely! It is much better isn't it? I'll know she's safe and all I'll have to watch is for her losing weight that she gained in the last two weeks so that she doesn't slip out of the harness! I don't think it's possible with the Puppia ones though from the look of them, I'll have to see when it gets here!

    2 Popoki - that made me laugh! You're right though, I suppose patience is the key in everything we worry about. I will introduce another kitty presently, I'm sure Babs will be fine, she know mum loves her!

    Hi Cricketsmama! Thank you for the kind words. I still replay it in my head but I kinda sense her around me sometimes which gives me comfort too. Sometimes have a chat with her too, just in case she's listening :-) Your kitties sound adorable. Little tuxies! I knew a gentle giant furrfriend once, he rescued his owner who had collapsed by getting help from the neighbour, animals are incredible. Who's your avatar? Brilliant photo

    Dear Feral, thank you and {{{big hug}}} back from Babs and I. I used to cat sit and walk dogs for a couple of months and looked after two lovelies just like the ones in your picture - am I seeing correctly that they're brown? Not sure of the breed but quite naturally slender? I think I've remembered every animal I've met! Thank you, you're prayers are much appreciated, I'm hoping she is fine, she is grieving too but am giving her lots of love. Also, the understanding of other kitty lovers helps so much :-)

    Here's a vet update all - I got back from the vets not so long ago. They think that she's fine. She's gained a bit of weight in the last two weeks but they think that's a mixture of not being outside and grief. She's now 5.3kg so is fine, just keeping an eye on her since the next 12 hours is crucial to noticing any changes. They tell me that if she vomits again to bring her back in for a blood test tomorrow where they can track what's happening, but so far so good, and lot of cuddles in between!

    It's been lovely starting to get to know you all, what a great community here. You've all somehow eased my sadness slightly about Tuxy, speaking with people who get it, does really help. Speak soon

    Lots of love x

    Posted 2 years ago by Kaefie #

21. 

    Hi, Kae and welcome to TDK! We're so happy to have you here! I am so sorry about Tuxy - I know how hard that is.

    I am in Texas and have two very spoiled little girls who are sisters. They were feral kitties but now are happily settled in as housecats. We live in the desert and there are simply too many predators out there for my girls to go out. We do have a screened in porch that they love to go out on and do a bit of bird watching.

    I look forward to chatting with you!

    Posted 2 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

22. 

    Hello Kaefie, another Brit TDKer, wonderful! We are gaining in number!!

    I'm so sorry about Tuxy, I have lost a couple of cats to the roads over the years, and have to temper the sadness with the knowledge that they loved being outdoors cats. I always now choose where I live with the cats in mind - we now live on a quietish one way street, backing onto a canal towpath - our current three love that! Click on my avator (Button) to see the rest of our mob.

    Babs is beautiful! Look forward to chatting with you :o)

    Posted 2 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #

23. 

    Welcome to TDK Kaefie. I really can't add more. I only have indoor kitties. My girl will not even let the harness be put on her! Deuter doesn't like it and won't move with it on. For me it didn't work much, but most seems to have success with the harness. Please come visit the Cafe and Night Shift and share stories about your kitty!

    I am truly sorry for your loss of Tuxy--it is so difficult to lose a beloved furry friend. Please know that he is in a good place.

    Posted 2 years ago by SoxsMom #

24. 

    Hi Kaefie...good to hear that Babs is doing well after your scare. The 2 in my avatar are sleek & black as onyx,with the smaller guy having a faint spot of wht. on his chest. They were kitties I rescued & fostered till some wonderful people on TDK helped me get them furever homes. Their names are now Bullwinkle(l) & Rocky(r). Their mama(Singer-cuz she sang alot) was just as sleet & blk. & went w/her sons. Singer was a result of Ms.Hissy(Snowshoe Siamese),I'm still caring for & TDK's famous Hopper(Orangie). It took 6 yrs. to catch him & he's now an indoor-only kitty being spoiled at the ripe age of almost 15 yrs.old.

    Posted 2 years ago by feral #

25. 

    Hi WillowandWindismom, look at those lovely sisters! So they are Willow and Windi? That is good to know cats can settle happily as housecats! I've seen some great cat activity centres on eBay too which I'm watching, I know Babs will love them! - Well maybe one - some are quite expensive! My cousin lives in Texas with his wife and they rescue cats bless them. They've just moved and I believe they don't let their baby out either - predators as you quite rightly say. They take her for walks in the evening sometimes but ultimately, also happy house cats. I look forward to speaking with you! :-)

    Hey Madcatwomanintheuk! Me too, me too.. that's so right, you do temper with knowing they loved being free, but the harness - and of course moving with them in mind where possible are options as I've learnt. Ironically I moved from south London to Bucks - to what I though is a quieter town, and a quieter road but the accident still happened :-( The awful thing that I doubt will leave me is seeing Tuxy on the opposite side of the road (she never went there before) she locked eyes with me and perked her head up as if to say "oh look it's mum!" and just ran out because it was me.. awful. It is what it is and Babsy is safe and lilly posion free now thank fully! I look forward to chatting with you also - and will check out your mob too :-)

    Hey Soxsmum! Thank you for the welcome, kind words about Tuxy and input, it all helps. Is that Deuter your avatar? Lovely eyes! I haven't had a look around the forum as yet, so I may grab a cup of tea later and wander over to the Cafe and Night Shift, see you there!

    Hi Feral, yes it is a relief!! Just keeping a watch now. So Bullwinkle and Rocky, great names! How wonderful that you rescued them, that's what I like about this forum, genuine help from genuine kitty lovers. It's great Singer went with them too huh, so nice to hear of a mum staying with the kits. I've not been around the forum yet so not heard about Orangie? how did you come about looking after him?

    Posted 2 years ago by Kaefie #

26. 

    Welcome! I have 2 former feral cats that are now indoors only and have no desire to go out. They love to look out the windows/doors though. I have a cat tree next to a window and they have plenty of toys and each other until we get home from work. Cats sleep 18 hours a day anyhow. My only experience with a harness was when I took a plane to move. Neither minded it.

    Posted 2 years ago by Sheba's Mom in Phoenix, AZ 10/8 #

27. 

    Kaefie, call me MCW - you'll get RSI typing my screen name in full!!! :o)

    Posted 2 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #

28. 

    LOL will do MCW!! hehe - hey I just looked at your catster page along with everyone else's on this thread. So that is Button? Aw man. You guys made me smile from ear to ear :-D ! Setting up Bab's page now, think I'll add one for Tuxy :-)

    Hello Sheba's Mom! Thanks for the welcome - that's interesting I didn't know cats slept 18 hours a day, I know they sleep ALOT :-) This forum has definitely helped putting my mind at rest about a few things. Strangely enough, the vets - well my current local one seems quite indifferent about anything I ask them. It's good to have feedback here x

    Posted 2 years ago by Kaefie #

29. 

    Sooo.. I've just set up a page for Babs, how do I link it to my avatar please? Also, I'd like to have Tux's on the same page (even though she's no longer with us), like some of you have on your delightful pages, would you advise me how to do this please?

    Posted 2 years ago by Kaefie #

30. 

    Kaefie, make sure you check out the other threads here on TDK - there's a daily cafe thread and then a nightshift one which are just general chit chat stuff, plus all the other shenanighans!

    Posted 2 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #

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