How many Mudcats have cats!?

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 23 Jun 18 - 01:21 PM

I think we are finally at one stage with Furball. He still does his night bit but seems pretty (resigned?) much to accept that we do offer him a good base and food. He still wants his outside time at night but comes in earlier and has settled (no rattling cat flap in the am or meows) that the late night/early morning in is "in" to some ways without a day of absence.

I'd probably try the cat basket and vet now but I think Pip is more inclined to get a "home visit". I'll press Pip one way or other but as said before, that will eventually be her own set up.

Funny old cat, probably more different than any before with his independent ways and keeping us guessing but in some senses I think we are there this time.

(and I'll not bore you all with much more...)

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: keberoxu
Date: 13 Jun 18 - 12:54 PM

Five hundred posts!

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Donuel
Date: 13 Jun 18 - 10:25 AM

cat quilt kilts ?

viewer discretion advised

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Charmion
Date: 13 Jun 18 - 09:10 AM

Cats who spend most of their time outside typically whiff more than indoor cats, if only because they spend more of their waking hours hunting and avoiding being hunted. Those who live in grimy environments may avoid grooming for their own good.

My Dad served in the Royal Navy during the war. His first ship, a small, rather nasty old destroyer called HMS Wrestler, carried a cat known as Bombhead (pronounced Bomm'ead) who spent much of his time hunting rats in the engineering spaces and thus ended up caked with toxic filth. As Bombhead was too wise to wash himself, the Coxswain assigned his care to the men whose part of ship was the quarterdeck, i.e., the signallers and radarmen, including my Dad. Bombhead was bathed (in a bucket, with Lifebuoy soap) each Friday and inspected, along with the rest of the ship and her company, by the Captain each Saturday morning.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 12 Jun 18 - 01:19 PM

I'm still not convinced he is an unneutered Tom, Sen but haven't gone looking... But yes,he has the night time ways.

Smell. I'm a long time (wish I wasn't but) smoker with a lousy sense of smell, although I think that sense was poor even in childhood.

Some smells I pick up, including "Willie Weasel'" - one time pet that found us -ferret smell (and that was a she), would smell if a dog fox had been round but there are lots of smells I probably miss (including Pip and a scented flower sometimes).

So I'd not go that much by my not smelling Furball if there is a scent, although neither Pip or Peter have commented.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Senoufou
Date: 12 Jun 18 - 01:07 PM

I meant to ask you Jon, does Furball have a 'tom-cat smell'? I've owned only male cats all my life, and had them neutered at around six months old. By this time, many of them had a very distinctive and pungent pong.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 12 Jun 18 - 01:00 PM

Wow, Sen! Perhaps part is down to my own tastes which very much enjoy a curry and spicy things but couldn't take a lot of heat (and don't get the vindaloo merchants...) but I've never imagined a cat liking something hot and wouldn't try it on a cat.

Off hand,maybe the closest I get to is Mewan who did like a nibble of brown bread and Marmite. Even that was funny, the way she'd wash her face after but she liked it.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Senoufou
Date: 12 Jun 18 - 12:49 PM

I was absolutely astonished to find SmokeyPokey licking the dish my husband had left on the kitchen counter top. It had contained his dinner, a ghastly red-hot Spicy Horror made with Scotch bonnet chillies. One tiny piece on the tongue would send one choking and coughing for some iced water, yet there was the cat having a lovely lick of the sauce left in the dish! He must have an asbestos mouth (like my husband!).

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 12 Jun 18 - 10:45 AM

And another update…

There has been one more day+ of absence (possibly caused by Peter/dad with the TV – he’s one of those hearing aid users who doesn’t always wear them and even if worn may be full up or down – cat fled…) but things have been pretty stable otherwise.

His latest way is to spend most of the day inside, entering as before, and apart from a couple of short trips out is settled until his demands for his night time activity. Something I wish would change – prefer cats in between dusk and getting up.

The vet’s side of things would ultimately be Pip’s decision (after all, she would be the one paying the vet’s bills) but I think that in this long saga of keeping us guessing, etc., we are probably near a time where we feel we can transport him to/fro without fear of loosing him…

… That’s if he stays anyway. He’s still odd in that he will only use the floor and (outside the one short poke around my room) hasn’t explored the rest of the house- he just likes kitchen, corridor and living room – effectively the 2 ways in/out. But as said before, he remains friendly and likes being in the proximity of people as well as liking the odd fuss.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Senoufou
Date: 02 Jun 18 - 04:47 PM

I bet you were worried, the little horror!
As he's been feral for quite a while, I expect his old habits and territorial defending etc haven't entirely left him and occasionally he has a roam. Once he's been neutered he may be more inclined to stay at home.
We got a free sachet of catfood from Tesco through the post, and tried it on our two. They loved it, so we looked for it on the shelves when we were in Tesco's this morning. Of course, it's quite expensive. We only bought four sachets, and we'll see how it goes. Tesco's are naughty, they know how to hook people in!

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 02 Jun 18 - 09:20 AM

Thanks Sen.

---
Old bugger keeps us guessing btw. I shut him in on Thu night after he turned up about midnight and it was a bit nasty outside (rain then but there has been a lot of fog/mist here lately).

He seemed fine in the morning, had breakfast and had a lie down before going off. I still thought "that's done it" when he didn't show up later in the day.

I didn't seem again until this lunch time when I found him lying on the kitchen floor - and then, when he saw me, he angled for something from the fridge - like nothing had happened and like we'd not been concerned. He's sprawled out by the sliding doors in the living room at the moment.

We do get the more consistent spells but I can wonder whether he has also found another helper/place to go.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Senoufou
Date: 31 May 18 - 08:56 AM

One of our cats, Murphy, prefers me. The other, SmokeyPokey, likes us both, but actually adores my husband. Our little tiny Minty (who had to be put to sleep over a year ago) was completely in love with 'Daddy'.
We still get very sad when we think of him. I've seen my husband secretly shed a tear, so I do understand Pip's sadness Jon.

Excellent that your microchip-detector didn't find anything. He's all yours! (and very lucky he is too!)

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 31 May 18 - 08:44 AM

I think cats are loyal to their bellies first (eg. I could shift Mewan sleeping on Pip’s lap with a bit of chicken) but I’m not sure that it follows that the softest touch need become the cat’s best friend.

Pip is probably easier than me but we can both be softies. One difference there though is that I tend to wind up being the mean one, eg. picking up a settled cat and putting it in a basket for the vets or moving one to another room, etc. Again, I don’t think that has made any real difference.

–

I’ve just scanned Furball for a microchip. Nothing was detected and I think that does end any remaining niggles we had about the possibility of someone missing him.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Charmion
Date: 30 May 18 - 06:00 PM

Himself always says that our cats like me best -- Watson clambers onto my shoulder, but not his -- and I'm always struck by how much that bothers me. Himself is the soft touch, the one who opens the patio door so they can enjoy birdwatching and or flings them a bit of steak or chicken; I never do. You'd think the little so-and-sos would be grateful. It's just not fair.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 30 May 18 - 10:32 AM

Yes, he’s a lovely cat and one who, if/when things get more settled would make a good pet here. Pip tells me he’s my cat. (As indicated before…) I don’t know yet but, if he does stay, I suspect it would end up that way in terms of a main association (Mewan by contrast was very much Pip’s cat although she was good friends with the 3 of us here).

Still, I’ve ordered a scanner today -at around £50, it seems worth it in case we get any other passers by too. Not sure at the moment I’d want to know he’s on a missing list but still feel I ought to check and can do it this way without a vet’s trip.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Senoufou
Date: 30 May 18 - 09:22 AM

What lovely markings Jon! Especially his head - beautiful!
It does indeed look as if the fur nearer his rear end is dead stuff, and will be shed in due course.
His tail is so thick and bushy, he's a really bonny cat isn't he?

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 30 May 18 - 08:57 AM

Here's a recent picture. He no longer looks the long haired cat. I don't know whether he grows a thick winter coat or whether much of his long hair was old fur? I think his head looks more "tom cat" now he's lost a lot of fluff.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 28 May 18 - 01:04 PM

Thanks Sen.

I still don’t have your optimism about our long term future ask he can leave us guessing but we’ll keep trying. I don’t think we are being specially kind and patient and some efforts are perhaps motivated by liking him around, although I think Pip in particular has always been a would be helper of waifs and strays…

I guess a few mixed feelings from her side at the moment, coming off the back of Mewan’s departure but she likes him.

He’s certainly getting well fed and I think (can’t remember if I mentioned it before), the worming powder I gave him a week or so back may have had some effect on the nutrients he’s getting inside himself.

As well as the fur, we still, also aim to get the vet to give him a look over once we feel he would take the cat box and trip to/from Cromer but he seems pretty OK, and hoping to reach a more consistent point of trust and stability is the priority. I think… You just try your best...

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Senoufou
Date: 28 May 18 - 12:27 PM

Well Jon, things have certainly progressed with Furball haven't they?!
It's lovely that he lets you pick him up, and that he's getting into a routine where comes in at 6am and eats then has a sleep etc.
How kind and patient you and Pip are! Honestly, in a few weeks he'll be almost completely 'civilised'.
Fur coming out means that he's nourished and new fur is re-growing under the old, making the old stuff shed.
I felt quite choked up reading your latest bulletin. That is one very lucky cat!

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 28 May 18 - 06:08 AM

And another change with Furball although this has been mixed with at least one absence of over a day. He has taken to letting himself in at about 6am, finishing any left overs and then sleeping until someone gets up to give him his proper breakfast. He will then sleep that off before making his moves for the day.

I wish he could be persuaded to use a chair and he’s using the most awkward spots, one in the corridor and one in the living room that both ensure we have to step very carefully round him but that may come. As it is, I can lift him on to a chair (yes, he will take that from me now but will struggle if I hold him for more than a couple of seconds) but he’s soon back on the floor.

He’s deposited some huge clumps of fur around and looks a lot better. Taking him in for a proper grooming and getting him used to brushing are still on the cards as/if/when we feel the times are right but I think it’s good he’s managing a lot himself.

Still early days with him and he remains a cat can leave us wondering where we really are with him. One spell, we can think that he really is going to become a settler here and another where you wonder if you will see him again so I guess whatever happens still has to be at his own pace.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 22 May 18 - 12:48 PM

Furball can be very affectionate at times and does give the impression of having once being well loved. But, as things stand, I think Charmion would be right that things are on his terms and that he is (and, OK all cats are to some degree) quite manipulative.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Senoufou
Date: 22 May 18 - 12:01 PM

Ah, our next-door-neighbours' lovely cat Alfie is like that Jon. He's a long-haired ginger chap (cat, not neighbour!) and if I'm on my famous bench, he'll appear from nowhere, crash against my legs in greeting without even looking at me and saunter off to sit quite far away. It's as if he's saying, "Oh. Hi. But don't stroke me." He's even like that with his owners.

Ours are so touchy-feely, they wind themselves around us, rub their little faces against ours, jump on our laps and poke us on the nose with their little paws, making all kinds of chirpy cat talk. We're always covered in cat hairs from head to toe. My poor husband's cleaner's uniform is black, and he's forever wielding the sticky roller to try and make himself presentable for work!

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 22 May 18 - 11:30 AM

I haven't got that far yet Charmion but do confess to going back to the house to get him something on more than one occasion.

Your assessment sounds right...

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Charmion
Date: 22 May 18 - 11:22 AM

Furball is training you, Jon Freeman. I bet you already put a cat treat in your pocket before going out into the field round the back. Furball's objective is to extract maximum gain from his relationship with you, without ceding any more of his independence than is absolutely necessary.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 22 May 18 - 11:16 AM

Since Sunday when he was out there from about 11am to 6pm, Furball has taken to joining us when we are out in the field/garden round the back. He will meow to make his presence known and will accept a treat if you have one on you but he doesn’t want fussing. He’s just picking spots say 10-20 yards away to relax in.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Charmion
Date: 21 May 18 - 11:24 AM

Ottawa's Lower Town, where we lived at the time, had plenty of outdoor nooks and crannies where small predators such as pussycats can hole up and keep warm. The typical Ontario back porch, for example, has a lattice skirting that is easily broken to gain access to the sheltered space under the floorboards.

Bill had a circuit of feeding stations -- households where he could count on the kindness of strangers -- and I often wondered why he picked us to move in with. A Russian family who lived in a row-house across the street would put out chopped chicken for him in a little dish at the entrance to their carport, and their Hungarian neighbours provided kibble and water in a sheltered spot on their deck. I saw Bill frequently over that winter, usually nipping across the street in the pre-dawn gloom to check out the latest offerings. He was a large cat, mostly white with big tabby patches, and he looked quite odd against the snow.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: keberoxu
Date: 20 May 18 - 01:12 PM

I still wonder what happened to Steve Shaw
and the cat that was out in the winter elements.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 17 May 18 - 01:49 PM

Nice story, charmion. We've been wondering how cats get on at about -5C. I can't even imagine -30!

I noticed that even with PussPuss who is as good as untameable that when he was feeding with us fairly regularly, he started to wear his Sunday best white bib and socks (he's mostly tabby). Furball needs a good de-matting though, not something I think he (or we)can solve on his/our own.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Charmion
Date: 16 May 18 - 09:18 AM

When we last took in a street cat, it was Old Bill, and he banged on the door and yelled for admittance. He was sick, wounded, starving, filthy and crawling with vermin, and he had been on the bummel all winter -- in Ottawa, where overnight lows in January frequently drop to -30C.

He settled in quickly, finding the litter box and the kibble dish, and establishing that, indeed, we had laps that were for sitting on. When he had recovered from his snip surgery and the bite wound in his chest, and his white fur had lost the nicotine-stain look he sported on arrival, Bill went AWOL for more than a week. We thought he had left us for good, but then he came strolling up to the back door again, and stayed for 13 years.

Our current moggies have spent their entire lives indoors, and I confess it's much easier on us. Yes, there's more litterbox maintenance and claw damage to the furniture, but worse things happen at sea.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 15 May 18 - 01:16 PM

Definitely, K. Or perhaps more accurately, it's the best I can come up with.

I'm pretty confident that he hasn't got another human home but I'd guess he is very comfortable with his outdoor life and is in no hurry to change that.

He let himself in again last night but come about 12:30am, he wanted out. No great panic and he took a last treat and stroke first and hang around a few minutes outside after but he did make it clear he wanted the outside.

I think our previous adult stray that we took in was more clear cut than this one. Memory is a rather foggy but at the moment, it runs that there was a "shall I shan't I" period and a few days absence but on return, he'd pretty much decided here was his home (quite a contrast to Mewan we found as a kitten btw - she just took here as her new home).

Maybe, if he's still around later in the year and things get colder, he might think us a more attractive option. I don't know but, while I'd like him to decide we offer him a good place and may try to tempt him, I've no intention of trying to force him.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: keberoxu
Date: 14 May 18 - 02:08 PM

Sounds like you are his humans
whether or not he is your cat . . .

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 13 May 18 - 07:33 PM

Gave our Furball a bit of deworming granules the other day and he took that. Will see if it eases his appetite.

Also, had him for 2 hrs today - he didn't fancy going out in the the rain.

Still, a bit of a puzzle. Affectionate when he turns up yes, not looking like he has a home and being cared for yes but ready to settle here, no - although he will roll over on a carpet and settle down for short periods/

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Senoufou
Date: 04 May 18 - 04:05 AM

Hahaha Jennie, you're right. George Formby's songs were very rude, but extremely funny. 'With my little stick of Blackpool rock' and 'When I'm Cleaning Windows' for example. Full of double entendres.

In those days, we weren't so 'politically correct' or mealy-mouthed! :)

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: JennieG
Date: 04 May 18 - 04:00 AM

It's actually quite an old song, written in 1931. Many of those old songs were full of double entendres; if you didn't know the 'other' meaning it drifted quite happily over your head, but if you were in the know you probably sniggered.

Some of those old blues songs from the 1920s and 30s are actually quite filthy, when you look at them!

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Senoufou
Date: 04 May 18 - 02:53 AM

I thought of Mr Trump too Elmore!

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Elmore
Date: 03 May 18 - 07:04 PM

OMG. Apparently I've led a long but sheltered life. Plus, that song, as does nearly everything these days ,reminds me of our so-called President. Thanks Jenny.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: JennieG
Date: 03 May 18 - 01:33 AM

I can't resist posting this.....
There are cats, and there are cats.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Donuel
Date: 01 May 18 - 02:34 PM

Speaking of mysterious no one knows how portions of feline DNA has made it into the human genome or when it did so.

And whats up with the great Sphinx. Was it just a modified giant hardang? (a cat shape naturally made by sand born wind on rocks)

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: keberoxu
Date: 01 May 18 - 02:17 PM

The Creator of Humans and Cats Alike
moves in mysterious ways.

It is as if the little cat with the big bushy tail
came along just in time
for you to say goodbye to your dear old friend
and make way for someone
to fill the cat-sized vacancy in your heart.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 01 May 18 - 09:09 AM

And thanks Charmion. I’d think those of us who are not youngsters and keep pets have all been through it several times over. It’s never easy but life moves on.

I don’t know if we will get another cat now. We’d take the new stray on board if he does change his mind and decide that’s where he wants to be but with parents in their 80s and my own situation a bit variable, we’d not go looking for a kitten.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Charmion
Date: 01 May 18 - 08:44 AM

So sorry for your loss, Jon. It's so hard to let go of a much-loved cat.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 01 May 18 - 08:37 AM

Thanks Sen will do.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Senoufou
Date: 01 May 18 - 07:09 AM

Jon, that's so very sad. I'm truly sorry; I know only too well the distress when one loses a much-loved cat.
Please convey to Pip my sincere condolences. Poor little Mewan, but she was well-looked after I'm sure, and had a lovely life.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 01 May 18 - 05:49 AM

Mewan picked up further from when I last posted but she took another turn for the worse on Monday we have had her put to sleep this morning. Pip is terribly upset at the moment. Not saying the rest of us aren’t sad but there was a very close bond between Pip and Mewan.

The two strays were around together for a while but I think the new stray pushed PussPuss away. Whatever, it’s been a while seen I’ve seen PussPuss.

New stray stayed in the house for 2-3 hours one day but the next day he seemed very wary and only stayed long enough to eat his meal. He’s not called round in about a week. I spotted a cat as I was looking at the cttv round the back this morning. It was too far in the distance for certainty but I think it was him so maybe he’s still around. Anyway (as with Pusspuss too) I hope he’s ok wherever he is and up to.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 18 Apr 18 - 02:10 PM

Interesting Charmion.

–
I’d been a bit concerned about new stray (I’m calling him Furball but Pip will probably give him a different name) for a few days starting yesterday as we have relatives visiting. I needn’t have worried. Furball turned up this evening when 2 of them were out in the garden. He wouldn’t walk past them to come to the porch for food and they had to move away but he was fine after that. Once settled, he’s anybody’s for a bit of chicken…

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Charmion
Date: 18 Apr 18 - 11:36 AM

Jon Freeman, if your stray tom is still quite young, the broadening of the chops that identifies a tom cat is still a ways off, as we say in Ontario. Our Watson was neutered very young -- between four and five months, if I recall correctly -- and he was indistinguishable from his sister Isobel until they were both more than two years old. Now that they are almost five years old, Watson is half again Isobel's size and weight, and sports the typical broad face of a full-blown tom. God alone knows what he would have looked like had he not experienced that special trip to the vet!

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 17 Apr 18 - 11:50 AM

My guess is that he is already neutered, and he doesn't really have the "tom cat" head. If he does decide to stay with us, he will get taken to the vets and be neutered if needed. I believe the vets also have a grooming service so he'd probably get de matted there too.

But take things as they come and bit at a time...

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: keberoxu
Date: 17 Apr 18 - 11:22 AM

Congratulations, Jon, on being chosen by the bushy-tailed tomcat.
Are you going to take him to get neutered?

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 17 Apr 18 - 09:34 AM

Ah, Sen. Quite expensive at £80 but since my last post, I've found this one

I don't think it would answer my per cat question (eg. for our current situation with Mewan) but it looks as if it would cater for the in/out during daytime only type things.

Subject: RE: How many Mudcats have cats!?
From: Senoufou
Date: 17 Apr 18 - 09:27 AM

Oh if only that were possible Jon! Cat flaps one could programme! We don't much like SmokeyPokey going out for too long as he's sixteen and quite frail, although seems perky enough. One fight with that Horror over the road would be the end we reckon. But it seems a shame both our cats can't come and go as they wish. We daren't go out shopping ourselves unless our two are safely indoors and the cat flap locked shut.
It has to be said, much as we all love our cats, at times they're a Blooming Nuisance!!

By the way, I broke my heart yesterday. I was sitting on the famous bench out the front when I saw the Horror's housemate Marmite running home with a poor fluttering female blackbird in his mouth. I rushed over to our neighbour, who has the nest in her woodshed and has fed the blackbirds all winter. She was in tears. The Thing had torn down the nest; there were three smashed eggs on the ground. And no doubt the female bird would be tortured until it died. We comforted each other and had a cup of tea together. What can one do? My husband was furious and sad when I told him.