The Political Asylum

Vintage Girl · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:49 pm Post subject: The Benefits of Owning a Cat

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=539571&in_page_id=1774

Good news for us, eh Juana?
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Girls are like phones. We love to be held and talked to, but if you press the wrong button you'll be disconnected!

JuanaLaLoca · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 4:35 pm Post subject:

Yeah!!! If owning a cat cuts your risk by a third, does owning two cut it by two-thirds? Wink

Hey, by that logic, maybe I should get a third cat... Cool

I knew that it was supposed to lower your blood pressure (not sure I've confirmed those benefits, though - mine was quite high last doctor's appointment, but I had run out of meds for a few weeks). I can see where stroking them and hearing them purr is relaxing, but at the same time, they get into all sorts of mischief, which might drive the pressure back up!

BlueEmperor · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 7:51 pm Post subject:

I'd like to hear what benefits you think you get from owning Bobby.

B.E.

Vintage Girl · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 8:54 pm Post subject:

BlueEmperor · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 10:12 pm Post subject:

Very true. You could write a sit-com around some of the stuff Bobby does.

That time he managed to trap me in my own bedroom...

B.E.

Vintage Girl · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 10:34 pm Post subject:

I don't remember that...
_________________
Girls are like phones. We love to be held and talked to, but if you press the wrong button you'll be disconnected!

BlueEmperor · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 4:16 pm Post subject:

At Noak Bridge, when my room was full of junk and I spent 20 minutes threading my way into the room to rescue what I thought was a stranded Bobby on top of my wardrobe only for him to bound down and out of the room when I got about three-quarters of the way in. It took me another 10-15 minutes to clamber back out again. Mad

grrrr!

B.E.

JuanaLaLoca · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 5:10 pm Post subject:

My former cats locked me out of the condo one day! I use an old window shade roller in the track of my slider to block it at night, etc. I had gone out shopping, and when I got back, they had somehow managed to flip it into the track! Because I always go in and out my slider, I keep the chain and another internal bolt locked on the door into the hall (also because there was once a robbery on my floor, using the hall door), so I couldn't get in that way. I had no idea what to do!!! I went and borrowed a wire coat hanger from a neighbor, untwisted it, and tried to use that; the door opens about an inch or so when blocked, so there was a little room to get it in. It took me about an hour and a half, with my cats going crazy wondering why I was lying on the patio instead of coming in, but I finally managed, after many false starts, to flip the roller out of the track. Since then, when I go out, I make sure the roller is not where it can be knocked into the track!

Vintage Girl · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 6:44 pm Post subject:

They're great aren't they. Laughing

I love it when Bobby manages to dash in to the loft between the 2 upstairs bedrooms. He makes his way into a part of the loft that we can't get into and refuses to come out. We just have to wait until he's ready to emerge covered in dust and cobwebs. Very Happy

_________________
Girls are like phones. We love to be held and talked to, but if you press the wrong button you'll be disconnected!

JuanaLaLoca · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:51 pm Post subject:

I had gotten them a new water bowl a month or so ago, that circulates the water, because Romeo is obsessed with running water. They both love it, though. The other day, I heard a lot of noise from the kitchen, and went to investigate. I found that Romeo had disassembled the new bowl - he had knocked the cover off, removed the filter, and was working on getting the water tank off! He's done it once again since then.

Today I bought three new wands with bunches of feathers on the end, and a peacock feather. I had bought one of the feather wands a month ago, because Romeo loves toys with feathers on them, but Khan surprised me by also going crazy over it! At this point, there are only about two feathers left on it, so I figured I'd stock up, and bought all that they had left! The one I've been playing with them with this afternoon is a lovely light shade of blue that matches Khan's eyes. I wish they would figure out a way to make toys with feathers that they can't pull the feathers out of, but I suppose it's not possible. All of our feathered toys get depleted sooner or later!

They're just about full-grown now. I guess they're about nine months old (I've had them for five).

Lady Viola Wellbeloved · Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 66 Location: Out of this World

I miss having cats. We had two litter sisters for years and they were wonderful.
I now have a mad dog...wonder what that does for my blood pressure!

leutnant · Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 24

I used to own three cats at one point the eldest was the family cat who moved to Yorkshire with a brother when the family home was sold - he later came back down to essex to live with me and my two weird inbred nutty cats. He died aged 19 in 2003. My last nutty cat died later in the same year aged 14.

I didn't replace them - but in 2005 a cat came to visit us in a bit of a bedraggled state - turns out he belongs to the very old lady a few doors down - now he spends about 90% of his time conspiring with my son to cause trouble and 10% at his real home pretending to be a sedate cat for an old lady.
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Still seeking Valveman

kitchenwitch · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

I've never had a cat, probably never will. My son is allergic and my dogs seem to think cats are chew toys. We've never encouraged them to chase cats because they are our neighbor's pets, they just do.

SilverMiniCooperS · Inmate of the Asylum Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 195

We sort of have a cat. Cinnamon actually belongs to our next door neighbor, but for all intents and purposes lives with us. It all started when they first got her about a year and a half ago and I spent all my time chasing her off from catching the birds and squirrels. I used a water pistol!

At that time their dog was getting old and couldn't stay all day by himself in the house so I looked after Brink during the day. Cinnamon tried to sneak in now and then looking for Brink. Then the family got another cat and the two cats got on well, along with the dog. Brink died shortly before Christmas Sad

and the new cat promptly got pregnant. During the pregnancy she couldn't tolerate Cinnamon so Cinnamon spent more and more time with us.

I ended up buying all the necessities for her and more, as she spents just about 100% of her time with us, only going 'home' for fleeting visits. The kittens are almost old enough to be found new homes, so time will tell if Cinnamon decides to stay here, or go home.

She is a sweet natured little thing and very effectionate, and I will miss her if she decides to return next door.

BlueEmperor · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 12:53 am Post subject:

We've always had cats, for as far back as I can remember. I've always been more fond of dogs though. We had a chocolate Labrador called Waddington (Waddy for short) when I was growing up and he was my best friend. He had to be put down when he got old and we didn't get a new dog for ages. We got a dog named Ailsa from a refuge but we had problems with her. She was always running away and disappearing for hours. She'd clearly had a rough time and appeared threatened by the choke chain, leading us to believe that her previous owner may have abused her with it. Unfortunately, she and Mum did not get on and one day Ailsa tried to bite her. My youngest brother, Christopher, was only a toddler at the time and that was that. We had to give Ailsa back. We've never owned a dog since.

My late grandmother always kept dogs too and had a beautiful Golden Retriever named Sheba, who was absolutely devoted to Nana and died at a very ripe old age. Nan always kept a large framed portrait of Judy - her first dog - up on the wall of the dining room. After Sheba died, she resisted getting a new dog, as she was in her 80s at the time and feared that another dog would outlive her and have no-one to look after it. Who knew she'd subsequently go on to live another decade?! Nana had a habit of 'appropriating' animals - our lovebirds, even my gerbils - they'd go over to Nana's to be 'babysat' while we were on holiday and would simply never come back. It was sort of inevitable, therefore, that she's appropriate a dog sooner or later. When my Dad and his then girlfriend went on holiday, they left their dog Zoe with Nana to be looked after. Zoe and Nana became inseperable and devoted to each other for the rest of Nana's life and during her final weeks, in hospital, Nana kept a framed photo of Zoe at her bedside. She was very depressive at the end and the only thing that could elicit any enthusiasm for life from Nana was the prospect that she might yet recover and go home to see Zoe.

Since Nana passed away in January, I believe it has been decided that Zoe will now going to live with my cousin's in-laws.

As for me and cats, I don't mind them. As I say, we grew up with them. We've had Bobby for many years now. He's an annoying little sod but we're all fond of him (as evidenced by the universal concern throughout the family recently when he was unwell - he's actually getting on a bit in years now). My party piece used to be to drape him around my neck like scarf. He is such a docile animal you can actually 'wear' him! Unfortunately, when I came home from university I found that I had become allergic to him and now can't go near him.

Ideally, if I had a place of my own, I would like to buy a dog but our flat doesn't allow pets. It is my intention, however, to own a dog at some point.

B.E.
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The doctor is in!

Lady Viola Wellbeloved · Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 66 Location: Out of this World

We had to give our batty Beagle a bath yeaterday. Ho hum.

The little chap ponged a bit so it had to be done although he hates water. He won't go in the sea or streams, even jumps puddles.
I put some old towels in the bath, plonked him in and sprayed him with the shower. OH is as much use as a chocolate teapot in these things and let go of Buddy . He leapt from the bath, shaking water everywhere (but mostly over me) and tried to escape from the bathroom.
Eventually I calmed him, picked him up, used more spray and shamppo, rinsed him off and towelled him dry...all the while OH is just sort of holding him (ineffectively) and complaining about getting wet!
At least the dog smells better now...
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Once I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken...

Jen · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

I've been left in charge of my daughters African grey parrot, Jasper, for a few days while she's on holiday...yesterday he took great delight in calling me Big Bum as I was cleaning his cage, he then began to flick water over me as I was hoovering underneath it...the little git. I've taught him to blow kisses and say 'Hi gorgeous'...he only says it to me.

Dame Brunhilde Golightly · Joined: 30 Mar 2008 Posts: 9

I bathed the fish tonight....can't see what you're all moaning about... Cool

Vintage Girl · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 10:34 pm Post subject:

_________________
Girls are like phones. We love to be held and talked to, but if you press the wrong button you'll be disconnected!

ukus · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 72

I have two cat's Winston and Sophie (I'll put a pic up when I've uploaded onto PB).

There is nothing quite so comforting as a kitties purr when your feeling in low spirits .... plus they don't pong and need as many baths as dogs do.

I also have a dog, as a few member's here already know. He's a Rottie ... a soppy Rottie (yep there is such a thing ).... and you'll probably all get fed up to the gills with my little stories about them Very Happy

.

ukus · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 72

Well finally did it ..... they've been messing about on PB since I was there last

Sophie

Winston (he's 14 bless him)

JuanaLaLoca · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 1:31 am Post subject:

Awwww!

Here are my babies, Khan and Romeo:

Jen · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

Cute kitties...but I have a confession..I hate cats, perhaps hate is too strong a word, But I dislike them a lot.

However even me, a self confessed cat hater took one in two nights ago. It was a little kitten which was mewling around outside, I think it had been abandoned as it was in a very poor state.

I brought it in and found a box and an old toy teddy bear for it = fed it with some thin porridge and milk, (the cat not the bear) and then put the kitty in the box with the teddy for the night. He/she mewled on and off all night but it survived and I took it to the RSPCA next morning.

Vintage Girl · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 10:45 am Post subject:

Aw that was very kind of you Jen especially as your not a cat fan. Very Happy

These pics have inspired me to post some of my own crazy moggy. I shall have a look for some when I get home from work.
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Girls are like phones. We love to be held and talked to, but if you press the wrong button you'll be disconnected!

Jen · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

I couldn't let it suffer.

However I'd love to get me mitts on the fully grown cat that leaves its calling card in my garden...it digs up the plants and leaves mess everywhere. Oi, MR. Cat, this is not your personal litter tray.

Time for the super soaker.....

kitchenwitch · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 5:15 pm Post subject:

Do you all have problems with feral cats where you live? We have quite a few in our area, but there are more in town than in the outskirts where I live. I think that's mostly because we're surrounded by a fair amound of woods and coyotes live there. The cats become supper.

Vintage Girl · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 5:16 pm Post subject:

I don't know that we actually have feral cats in the UK? I've never seen any.
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Girls are like phones. We love to be held and talked to, but if you press the wrong button you'll be disconnected!

kitchenwitch · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject:

I don't know if you can really tell the difference just by how they look. I would think they'd be more cautious of people because growing up wild they never would have been socialized. I do know that they're usually mean and will get in a fight with a domesticated cat in a heartbeat. When the Humane Society ends up cleaning out a "cat lady" house they have to destroy most of the cats because they won't ever become pets, they're too wild.

SilverMiniCooperS · Inmate of the Asylum Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 195

Feral cats are one of my pet peeves. They do untold damage to wild life, especially the bird population.

Two words for pet owners...

SPAY or NEUTER your pets..both cats and dogs.

Jen · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

I think we do have ferral cats in the UK. Some of the big industries encourage them to breed and run wild to keep the rats and mice under control. British Steel (Corus), ICI for example.

Vintage Girl · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 10:44 pm Post subject:

Oh, I wasn't aware of that.

Anyway, here is a pic of Bobby.

It's a bit blurred. Embarassed

I shall look for a better one.
_________________
Girls are like phones. We love to be held and talked to, but if you press the wrong button you'll be disconnected!

ukus · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 72

Aawww.. he's so cute and I love his white bib.

Jen · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

He's lovely..for a cat... Laughing

Handsome chap.

kitchenwitch · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 5:51 am Post subject:

Bobby does seem to have a look of dignity about him.

You all have happy looking kitties, I'm sure you love them to death.

Mpls Druid · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 9:15 pm Post subject:

In my first marriage we had 3 dogs and 2 cats, and they used to chase each other all over creation. You really had to do a double take to see the cats chasing the dogs all over the house one minute, then all curled into an enormous furball the next.

BlueEmperor · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 1:59 pm Post subject:

There are many words to decribe Bobby but 'dignity' would not be high on my list. 'Barmy', now there's a good one.

B.E.
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The doctor is in!

poppycock · Inmate of the Asylum Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 533

I don't own pets (apart from dust bunnies) as we are away from home far too much. I recently stayed with friends with three cats for a few days and one became my constant devoted companion during that time. Apparently, after we left, the cat was miserable for a short while but a new toy mouse quickly took my place - so much for loyalty.

We lived near railway yards when I was a child and cats were abandoned there all the time. My mum was a sucker and so we were always adopting a progression of strays. My favorite was a tabby Persian mix.

JuanaLaLoca · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 2:36 am Post subject:

Bobby is a very handsome cat!

kitchenwitch · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 4:00 pm Post subject:

BlueEmperor · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 7:20 pm Post subject:

Well, I guess it just goes to show that looks can be decieving? Laughing

B.E.
_________________
The doctor is in!

Lady Viola Wellbeloved · Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 66 Location: Out of this World

This is Buddy. Looking very smug as usual. OH spoils him rotten.

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Once I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken...

Vintage Girl · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:07 am Post subject:

JuanaLaLoca · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:25 pm Post subject:

He's still more dignified than my late Siamese Ming! Ming would have had those hind legs spread apart! All the more effective because the sealpoint color really stood out! My friends used to get quite shocked at his lack of modesty when lying on his back! Embarassed

kitchenwitch · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 5:27 pm Post subject:

This one has no dignity or modesty, but you would think he did because of this picture.