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Anyone have a cat condo cage that I could borrow?

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Started 8 months ago by schaatser
Latest reply from Magnolian96

schaatser

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I need to figure out some sort of containment for my very "special needs" cat and I am reluctant to spend the money on a new condo cage until I know whether this is going to be a viable option. Does anyone have one that I could borrow for a few weeks? I am looking for one of the larger ones so that she still has a bit of room to move around.

Posted 8 months ago #
Magnolian96

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No, but I have a Catinator (TM).

You put the cat in one end, flip the switch, and leave the house for four hours. When you return, you have a restrung tennis racket, two dozen egg rolls, and a shawl. Interested?

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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I just restrung my tennis racket, but I will let you know. Is it solar powered?

Posted 8 months ago #
Jmarie

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I have one, schaatser. It's 36" L X 24" W X 48" H with 2 shelves for perching. email me jmarie48027@yahoo.com

Posted 8 months ago #
Cate

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schaaster - I am trying to imagine either one of my two kitty girls in one of these..... I wish you luck. And a quick recovery for your kitty.

Posted 8 months ago #
Magnolian96

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It is not solar powered. It runs on self-proclaimed virtue, which is far more plentiful in Seattle than mere photons.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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jmarie - I just sent you an email. Thanks!

cate - Unfortunately, it is a chronic condition that is somewhat controlled with medication, but will never get better. I just can't deal with the unmitigated fallout (literally) that comes with the flare ups anymore. Luckily, she is pretty calm and likes to spend hours looking out the window so I hope that this will work for her bad days.

Magnolian - I have decided not to turn my cat into virtuous egg rolls.

Posted 8 months ago #
teigyr

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schaatser, I think we might be in the same situation, pls let me know if that works for you. Some days are better than others but our sanity (and floors) are paying dearly for it. We had thought about confining her to a room (cruel because she'd be away from us) and are pretty much at our wits end.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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teigyr - I will definitely let you know. You are lucky if it is confined to the floors. ;) Mine likes to run to all of the high points and unwashable furniture in the room when she is sick. I am really happy that I moved to a place with no carpet.

What is your poor kitty suffering from?

Posted 8 months ago #
Magnolian96

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I noticed the lost dog ad. If I find that mutt, I'm donating it to the nearest Korean restaurant. Or maybe to an old-school Swiss sausage maker. Trust me, there were things they didn't tell you in "The Sound of Music." Once you get outside of the Zurich city limits, it's a whole other country.

Posted 8 months ago #
onederfullone

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Yet another threat.

If the Swedes really care to bounce a fucker...

Posted 8 months ago #
Magnolian96

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Yes, now I'm "threatening" dogs with Korean restaurants and/or the Swiss Method, and the cats with the Catinator (TM). Be afraid. Be very afraid. Magnolia is also a whole other country. Keep your pets and youngsters leashed. And I won't even mention how we treat bicyclists over here.

p.s.: And gosh, that language of yours! Zip your lip, mister! Once you've acquired a sense of humor (you'll need to import it from a non-hipster place, because the yuppie wannabes don't stock humor next to the custom cupcakes), you need to consider micro brain surgery to neutralize the F-word center of your brain. We're polite around here, remember?

Posted 8 months ago #
onederfullone

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Sadists like you do not possess humor.

You occupy space better left for anyone else.

Posted 8 months ago #
phoo

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onderfullone, just ignore the troll. A new account to try to stir up new trouble. Ignore it and eventually he'll go away until he gets a new account.

Posted 8 months ago #
onederfullone

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phoo, you are wise, forgive me.

Posted 8 months ago #
Magnolian96

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onederfullone, of course I have a sense of humor. After all, I laugh at your misfortunes, don't I?

Posted 8 months ago #
teigyr

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schaatser, ours might have a different problem. Ours is IBD, we think. She's been tested for all sorts of things and has tried many medications but nothing is perfect. I am glad it's confined to the floor! I do want to know how the condo works for you, it might be a solution for when we're not home.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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teigyr - It may not be that much different. Mine has chronic pancreatitis and IBS which are both manifestations of her systemic inflammatory problems. For a long time I was able to control it with diet and some over the counter meds/supplements. She had a few other problems with her gums, ears, and eyes, which we were able to treat. Early this year she began developing symptoms of asthma and had GI problems several times per week. I reluctantly had to put her on daily steroids. I had been holding off due to the associated risk of diabetes, but it was a necessary quality of life intervention at that point. She is doing better, but still has flare ups especially if she manages to eat food that she is not supposed to have (which seems to be her main goal in life). Unfortunately, she now associates elimination with pain and starts running frantically around the room when it happens. My one concern about the condo is that she may freak out when it is time to go. I will probably need to strengthen the shelves somewhow.

I don't know what you have tried yet, but some things that have helped us are...

Feeding single protein, grain-free, wet food only - my cat seems to be allergic to grains and now only gets chicken in one brand of food, all kibble (even grain-free) upsets her stomach. I always mix extra water into her food.

She craves fresh greens so I try to keep kitty grass available at all times.

Her daily meds include the steroids, OTC acid reducer, lactulose, and a probiotic. I have pain meds and immodium for the bad days. The immodium works wonders.

The low dose steroids have made a huge difference and have cleared up her other problems as well. I often need to adjust dosages of all of the above based on her condition for that day. It is always a bit of an experiment.

Most of the time she is a great little cat, but it takes constant vigilance. I know that it is a lot of work and I can definitely appreciate the frustration. I hope that you can find a solution. I have another lead on a used condo if you are interested and I will let you know how things work out for us.

Posted 8 months ago #
gracie

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One - +1 on your take on this latest troll. Wonder how many different personas he has taken here. He's only been a "member" since 9/8. He is wasting space, I have to agree.

Schaaster - what condition does your cat have? If by chance incontinence, there are pet diapers. Sure helped when one of my dogs suffered from that.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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It's not incontinence. It's chronic pancreatitis and IBS which causes GI pain and diarrhea when it flares up. Diapers might be overkill at this point. I just need to be able to contain her when I know that she is not feeling well until I can get her system stabilized again.

Posted 8 months ago #
gracie

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Oh the poor cat. That must be miserable for all concerned.

Posted 8 months ago #
Magnolian96

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How old is the cat? IBS is a nasty affliction. If the cat's in pain and you think it needs a diaper, then you ought to be thinking about putting it down. Remember: It's not about you. It's about whether the animal has any kind of life.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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She is not old and most of the time it is under control with medication and diet. She definitely doesn't need a diaper. However, it does flare up on occassion - especially if she manages to eat things that she shouldn't have. I just need to watch for her symptoms and treat them as necessary. Throughout the process of identifying and treating this, she developed some understandable behavior issues. However, most of the time she still has good quality of life and is very interested in being an active and curious kitty. If it gets to the point where this is no longer true, I am not going to let her suffer.

Posted 8 months ago #
phoo

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schaatser, I know that post almost looked legitimate, but remember that M96 is an acct established for trolling.

I feel for your kitty, and salute you for taking such good care of her. Other owners would indeed put her down or take her to a shelter (where she would be declared unadoptable and euthed or passed to an unknowing owner).

I'd like to suggest something helpful here, but it looks like you are way on top of it, right down to trigger foods. The only thing I can possibly think of is small, frequent meals, but you've probably already tried that. I am sorry I do not have a kitty condo to loan you. I just wanted to salute you and IBS Kitty.

Posted 8 months ago #
gracie

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yeah, don't pay attention to M96. You sound like a very good owner and are doing the right things. I give you acculades for your kindness in dealing with your poor little cat. Keep up the good work.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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Phoo - No worries and thanks. I have acquired a kitty condo thanks to the generosity of the the My Ballard community. Not sure if it will be an appropriate solution yet, but I am willing to try it.

As long as she is still interested in life, I am willing to do what I can to keep her as healthy as possible. I am working with a really good vet who is honest about her situation and he is still optimistic about our ability to keep her more comfortable and happy than not right now. Most of the time, you wouldn't even know that she was sick.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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gracie - my cat also loves road trips and walking on a leash. I have been very entertained by Pickles' stories.

Posted 8 months ago #
teigyr

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schaatser, ours is on steroids and single protein food. The prescription food didn't do that well for her (Science Diet Z/D). For a while, Ziwi Peak venison worked wonders. Right now it's Natural Balance Duck, limited ingredient. I haven't tried immodium. Is it the people version? What type of dosage? Ours does have inflammation in her intestines but other than that in her ultrasound and testing, they can't find anything else. As with yours, it's her life goal to have anything other than the "safe" food. The other cats don't like her food so feeding time requires a lot of separation and babysitting. Her flare-ups have greatly decreased but I think the cat box has bad memories for her. Also sometimes she gets gassy and combine that with the IBD and she could be used as a WMD :)

Posted 8 months ago #
Magnolian96

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Glad to hear that you won't let the animal suffer. Too many people do that because they just can't bear the guilt. All jesting aside, good luck with your cat.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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Teigyr - I'm sorry that you also have to deal with this, but I am happy to know that I am not alone here. I've been using the Wellness chicken. Trying to control feeding with multiple cats all the time has got to be frustrating. We have that problem when visiting my parents. The worst flare that she ever had was after getting into the bag of Purina. It is a nightmare. The cat condo is coming along now if I go home to visit.

It is the liquid people version of Immodium. I was told to give .25ml 2x/day for 3 days during flare ups. It works well, but usually takes two doses before it kicks in. The litterbox aversion is hard. I can sometimes lure her into using something new, but the first time that she is uncomfortable there, she won't go back again.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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Thanks, Magnolian.

Posted 8 months ago #
teigyr

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oh schaatser, I am SO glad it's not just us! I hadn't tried chicken just because generally the prescription foods are venison, duck, and rabbit. I was trying to emulate those but in non-prescription limited ingredient versions. I might try the Wellness and the other cats might like it. Dry food = pure evil for her, even limited ingredient dry food. We've swapped out the litter thinking that would help. I even changed the boxes, like literally put in new ones thinking that would help too.

Thanks for the info. You almost have to have a sense of humor about it.

Posted 8 months ago #
gordy

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Our late dog also intestinal isses(he passed away from something else). The vet prescribed something called KPectin that is a liquid cat/dog version of immodium. She also suggested probiotic treats and a bland diet of steamed chicken breast, rice and broth when he had flareups. I don't know if the KPectin and probiotic stuff would help your cats, but you might ask your vets.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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A sense of humor definitely helps. During the last post-Purina poopocalypse, I made a list of things in my apartment that had been pooped on and a list of things that had not. The only thing on the second list was the litterbox. This is why I can't have nice things... or houseguests. All furniture and electronics now have easy-to-wash coverings and as many rooms as possible are off limits when I am not home.

I noticed that the Wellness also helped with the WMD issue. You might want to think about also adding probiotics if you aren't already.

I have been doing a bit of research with cat behaviorists to try to find some help in dealing with behavior issues associated with medical problems and it is really frustrating. All of the books and experts just advise to make sure that the cat doesn't have a medical problem. I haven't been able to find anything about dealing with a cat that has behavior issues caused by a chronic medical problem. I will let you know if I come across anything.

Posted 8 months ago #
SmartsyArtsy

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I have learned that turkey is easier on their system than chicken is. I used to cook turkey, root veggies and rice every week. Youe can purée them together.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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gordy - You are right on. All of those things help. I think that my vet went with the people Immodium just because it is cheaper. It would be easier to get her to take it if it wasn't mint flavored though.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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SA - I tried something similar, but she won't eat the root veggies. Unfortunately, I barely have time to cook for myself right now so she is going to have to be happy with the can.

Posted 8 months ago #
teigyr

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oh schaatser, if you ever feel the need for houseguests, we will come visit. We're in the same position!!! Our floors, oh my gosh. It was worse when she was more liquid. My husband actually created this cleaning thing which is an ice scraper attached to a broom handle. In its early stages the WMD could launch over 2'. I figure if anyone ever breaks into our house, it's on them to navigate. I've even slipped in it, back when it was worse. I think we need a support group!!!! It's nice to see all the ideas and again, it is SO nice to know we aren't alone in this.

re the behavioral part, the vet just said to try different litter. I've found resources for inappropriate urination but that isn't the problem. I think we need to band together and get the "My Cat from Hell" guy up here. He could do a bunch of households all at once :)

Posted 8 months ago #
gracie

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schaatser - my previous cat had opposite problem - couldn't poop. He would periodically have to have colonics. The vet said one time she was getting "concerned" (said with a smile) because my cat was starting to enjoy the tube going up his butt - even purring. He led a pretty good life but time caught up with him & was bringing him into vet for final visit. He died in my arms at home that morning. Had him 13+ years & it took me 3 years before I got another one - Miss Pickles.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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teigyr - I am laughing so hard right now. I'd love to share some of my favorite moments with you, but I am pretty sure no one would ever come see me again if they knew the truth.

We do need a support group.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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Gracie - I am not sure what is worse. That sounds like a lot of vet visits. I wish Miss Pickles balance and regularity.

Posted 8 months ago #
gracie

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Thanks - me too! Tomorrow I find out how much weight she has gained. First weigh in 1.3#. Now when she attempts to get behind the steering wheel & sleep behind it her chubby little body doesn't fit.

Posted 8 months ago #
yourFriend

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sorry you got these troubles schaaster crap is crappy

Posted 8 months ago #
Magnolian96

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I do with you the best with the cat, but I also think that if you're consulting a cat psychologist, it might be time to ... well, you know. But good luck, really.

Posted 8 months ago #
schaatser

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I have not actually consulted a cat psychologist. I have read a few relevant chapters in books written by cat behaviorists. There is a difference.

Posted 8 months ago #
Magnolian96

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What is it? Maybe a behaviorist doesn't actual counsel the cats, but only observes them? How about prozac? Would that work?

Posted 8 months ago #