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Well, one of the cats I had growing up, Batman, lost alot of teeth during his life. Unfortunately (for the neighbors cat), he usually left them in whatever tomcat he was defending his yard from. By the time he caught the bus at the ripe old age of 17, he hardly had a whole tooth left, and was on a special soft diet of canned food and a egg-rice-tuna mix we cooked for him.

That was a great cat. I miss him.

Heh. I call Charlotte “Batman” sometimes, on account of that black cowl. When she looks offended, she’s the spittin’ image.

The vet’s assistant, who took her in the back to draw blood for testing, stuck her head in the room and chirped brightly, “Charlotte gave us an unexpected poop sample! Do you want us to test it for parasites?”

I would LOVE to see Charlotte give somebody an unexpected poop sample. Good and hard.

LOL Talk about the sh&t hitting the fan (or, at least, admirer) 🙂

Geez, Weaz. I didn’t know – honest! Should I delete my post?

And I apologize again as I laugh my friggin’ ass off at that toothless drawing! Gummy-cat!

So at what point do you decide “wow this pet is costing me too much money and they are practically disposable?”

Oh! Hahaha…I just saw your post, McGoo. Pure coinkydink, I assure you. Don’t delete anything!

Well, Christopher, about the same time you realize that we have a gigantic national surplus of nice old ladies and Grandma’s hip is going to be hella expensive.

Okay, maybe not quite that far. But the principle holds. If you like to be around animals, you get to know them as individuals and you find the best ones are not interchangeable or replaceable.

However, I have enough of my farm upbringing that I wouldn’t put an animal through operation after operation, like my parents do with their damn cancer-bearing mutt.

My 15 year old cat has only his 2 top fangs and one bottom one in the front left. His lip gets stuck on a fang every so often and he walks around sneering. 🙂 Otherwise, he gets along fine. My vet told me that cats seldom really chew anyway so he shouldn’t miss the teeth.

I grew up on a farm as well, and every time you get another critter, you always say “no way I’m ever spending more than $xx on this animal.” And every time it comes time to pay a vet bill, you weigh their comfort and continued companionship higher than money when making the decision.

Been lurking for awhile – great site and the only one on which I regularly read the comments. Buncha smart, interesting cookies around here. 😉

In Weasel’s absence may I presume to welcome you, nicole? Weasel loves new folks!

I was going to ask someone what do you feed a toothless feline? Milk? (Yeah – I know – not moo-cow stuff). Soft stuff? Pre-chewed?

Oh, canned catfood is fine, McGoo. The little buggers can even eat the dry stuff, if they like it (once they’re all healed up, of course). Charlotte doesn’t like the dry stuff, so that’s okay.

I keep meaning to come up with a “the good stuff is in the comments” graphic for the sidebar, Nicole. McGoo is right; I lumme some commenters.

BTW, I looked at the Savannah cats, Weaz. I have to admit – they’re tempting to me. I need to read about them some more.

I also have to admit – Psycho Kitten was interesting to me. It would have been a challenge…

Oh, poor Charlotte… I hate seeing a critter in pain. My country-boy upbringing compels me to either find a way to fix it or “ease their passing”.

Christopher… we have a $4K feline. Silver d’Cat has just used up all his credit. He’s old, he’s got another bad tooth, missing toes, peeing on the run, Cruel Wife’s shoes, my pillow, kids’ toys… getting my drift here? We’re going to pull the plug before very long. He’s been a wonderful kitty but he just isn’t going to get any better – nobody beats old age.

(Between all of us, I’d have gotten rid of him after the little shit pissed on my pillow – IF it were my choice.)

Psycho Kitten got to me too, McGoo. I’m hoping I managed to socialize the little shitbag just enough that he can make it on the outside.

My temptation, on entering a shelter, is to tell the crew to give me the ugliest, meanest, least-adoptable fur-bearing asshole in the joint.

I had a kitty who had a fang (upper) that got broken and had to have it removed. Probably fighting, as she was a mean one — it’s probably still wedged in some feral cat’s behind. My sister-in-law had a toothless cat a while back that I fed on their many vacations – she did fine with eating and was a sweetie. For some funny on the trials that cat lovers will go through, go here. If you likey, then go here and read all about Kai & Xena, “International Kittens of Mystery.”

And re: the money? I spent a thou+ trying to keep my old meezer alive last year, and would do it again in a heartbeat, as long as I actually *had* it. I’d give up one of my other um, vices. 🙂

This for Charlotte.

Yep. I like a challenge, Weaz. Also – PK happened to be drop-dead cute. It was the eyes, y’know…

LK – I do sympathize with you and your cat. I’m gonna say the obvious – t’wer best done quickly, dude. Dragging it out helps no one. But I know you know that.

Stoaty: I just had one zapped by Akismet for too much linkage. I just keep doin’ that … but it seems so dumb to write 3 comments just for links.

P.S. LemurKing — You should like my links (after Stoaty retrieves them).

iamfelix – write your post with the recommended ONE link, post it, then immediately edit it and add all the links you want. Akismet is stupid that way.

Aha! McGoo = Genius!

iamfelix = very kind, but mistaken!

Someone else discovered it early on when Weaz installed the editor. Lokki? Mrs. Peel? I don’t remember – but I remembered the trick! I used it a few days ago to post a shitload of silly wave files here.

Ha, spend too much money on a critter? Can’t be done. The price of the horse is muy cheap. The upkeep, not so much.

Babies need some new shoes… $20 per foot every six weeks. Vaccines, gaaah… Poop makins… On and on. I love those fools though.

Allen – you and jwp are one of a kind.

I’d heard that there is some real money in that horse-shoeing and such – what is that profession called? Not blacksmithing – it’s specifically for animals.

Farrier? ^

Yep, farrier, and it is pretty good money. Mine has a real way with horses, he’s also a horse breeder.

I’m guessing most farriers have some kick-ass thigh muscles and glutes. That’s not a comfortable position to hold.

There used to be a horse where we taught dog obed. classes that liked to play at the fence w/ my mom’s mastiff, Otis. Unfortunately, he managed (otis not the horse) to tear his MCL, $2k later he tore the meniscus. Surgeries had to be done at KState in Manhattan.

Wasn’t me, Goo.

Poor Charlotte. But at least she will be out of pain afterward, right?

yeah. sick critters. my ferret Flash has lymphoma – cancer of the ferritus. the hospital wanted to do exploratory surgery or kemo – but I had to say, sorry I dont have thousands of dollars. So anyway, he is taking steroids and is eating and sleeping and they say he is dying. what can you do. I’ll just have to keep giving him the icky medicine and hope for the best. I’ve been a lurker mostly, but I may start posting regular. who knows. maybe it’s the beer and shots of rum that are motivating me to come out of lurk mode.

Welcome, ww — Sorry about your little fellow. As I said, I went through it last fall with my kitty and I know how hard it is. Come here and talk — Weasel is wonderful & her commenters are teh best.

aww. thanks. maybe I will. I’ve noticed that although there usually isnt alot of comments here – they are so very hilarious. Definately quality over quantity.

Gooster… I know, I know. At this point, I’m the one rarin’ to go, but d’Cat is Cruel Wife’s baby. I don’t have the heart to force the issue just yet even though my every fiber says to do something so he isn’t suffering anymore. Were I in the country we would have made that trip out behind the shop a long time ago. Moral flexibility is a wonderful thing.

But we’re not in the country and it’s not just my call. I don’t like hurting the wife. There, I haven’t moral flexibility. Probably next week I’ll have to clear my throat and push the issue (Lord give me strength).

I understand that there are some vets that will make house-calls with the pink juice so the animal can at least have the dignity in passing at home and not as frightened and angry. I still respect the little guy enough to give him that if I can.

Sorry about your ferret ww. Sometimes the only and best thing to do is to make them as comfortable as possible…especially for the smaller critters as the stress and pain of surgery, that is no guarantee, is not something they tolerate very well. I think you are doing what is best.
I have a small herd of guineas and knowing what can go wrong with them, I dread thinking about it.. They are such sweet little squishies.

LK, I have heard of vets coming to your house with the ‘juice’. I think that is a great idea. No stressful car ride or cold sterile examining rooms. I read Mark Levin’s book about his Sprite and they did that very thing. If you want to bawl, I recommend reading it.

Eh. I had to give up on rodents for pets. They die so soon, and in such horrible ways. Of course, they don’t have quite the complicated personality of a dog or cat or ferret, so they don’t get to you quite as much, but they’re still nice little animals and it’s an awful downer.

It’s why I’ve never really considered a rat for a pet. They do have personalities, but they have the same short lifespans and liabilities as lesser rodents.

LK – I knew I wasn’t telling you anything you didn’t already know. It’s always tough to put down a pet. It’s even tougher when there are kids or spouses involved. Been there, done that, got the tee-shirt decades ago.

ww – feed him/her runnybabbit! It’s good for what ails a mustalid, and provides a convenient, ready-made nesting site too! I bet Badger would provide all you can use.

I had to put down my 8 year old female kitteh Az about a month ago – cancer. She started losing weight and 2 weeks later the vet diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer and gave her less than a week to live. The day before I took her in to get the diagnosis, she started having trouble breathing. The vet gave her a steroid injection that eased her breathing and the next day I stayed home from work with her. We spent the day outside in the sun, doing some gardening, which she had always shown a keen interest in. We took a nap with her favorite blanket and I let her have cheese from a can – another love of her life. She went on a car ride to the grocery store – she used to beg to go along whenever I picked up the car keys. And later we went on her last ride. So she had what I think was a very excellent last day, all in all. 🙂

The vet didn’t make a housecall, but he did give her a very strong sedative so any anxiety was gone for her before he did the deed. A housecall would have been much nicer, though, for both me & for Az. He did send me a sympathy card that was signed and not stamped and didn’t charge me for her last services, though.

ww, you should be careful here though. It’s an odd bunch, except me of course 🙂

The veteran that is travelling the country that I mentioned the other day, proud ferret owner.

oh, poor kitty. we’ve got one with FORL too. better to get them all pulled than to have to risk repeat anesthesias, in my opinion, since all the teeth are going to go anyway.

Alice – nice photos at your site.

Goo, does the T-shirt say something like “I was a Bastard and Killed the Wife and Kid’s Pet and All I Got was This Lousy T-Shirt”? Perhaps “Kills Kittens for Kicks”? That’s pretty much how low I’m going to feel once my other three family members get to bawling.

porknbean, I’m not sure if I am up to bawling. It’s been a horrible time the last 18 months – I’ve got my quota filled.

LK – actually, my T-shirt says Eat at the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, TX. They were out of the “Cat-Killer” ones, so they gave me that one. Its sole virtue is that it is bright yellow.

On a side note: tomorrow SCOTUS will be pontificating on the DC gun ban / 2nd Amendment flap. This will be the first major 2nd Am. ruling in the history of the US.

If they don’t rule that the 2nd Am. is an individual right, I’m moving to Chile and live at the foot of an active volcano where its safe.

they don’t have quite the complicated personality of a dog or cat or ferret

I don’t know weasel, one of my little girls is something special. Very smart with a great personality.
*sigh*

Too bad I’m severely allergic to cats. I’d get me a siamese.

nichole – that was a REALLY nice day for the ol’ kitty. I’m absolutely convinced of it.

I saw a woman in the shelter today who’s only allergic to shorthairs, she said. Is that weird? I thought it was weird.

A month, Nicole? Ow. That’s fresh ‘n’ ouchie.

If they don’t rule that the 2nd Am. is an individual right

The way they have been ruling lately McGoo, I’m not sure they will. And the marxists in the dem party are enjoying every minute of each liberal decision. F*ckers.

McGoo, I thought you had typed “SCROTUS”…sometimes I scan posts rather too quickly.

Is that weird?

Yes. Very weird. I don’t think long-haireds have different skin cells than short-haireds. The nekkid cats are the hypo-allergenic kind.

Nope, Jill, I didn’t – but I wouldn’t put it past me.

…and with this court, it might actually have a grain of truth to it. Would that be a Freudian Slip?

Check this out! NSFW – for sure. I love the announcer’s upbeat enthusiasm for his subject! I couldn’t find one on scrotum. An angry letter to the site owners will be forthcoming.

http://www.funfreepages.com/flash/the_word_fuck.php

Akismet – gotta love the li’l fucker. It was only one wafer-thin link.

http://aardvarks.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/mint.wav

When I drove out of the parking lot this afternoon, there was a great big sign at the end of the drive that said CAUTION — SCREWY CURVE. Which I thought was a pretty chatty thing for an official roadsign to say.

Then I realized it actually said CAUTION — SURVEY CREW.

Oh. That’s different.

Ya mean sonething like this, Weaz?:

http://aardvarks.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/huge_f_up.jpg

Heh heh. Like that, McGoo. That phone number has an odd format. I wonder where that is?

That was a really sweet thing you did for Az, Nicole.

If only people treated other people half as kindly.

And before anyone asks, no, I don’t, either 😉

Weasel, my impression is Australia – but I honestly can’t even begin to tell you why. Call it – an idiocy. Or a faint memory from when I copied the thing (from god-knows where and when!).

I bet one of your minions will know and, tell in 5…4…3…2…

I have a post in Akisment – btw.

Being told that someone is allergic to short hair cats but not long hair cats is like telling people that eating honey helps your allergies. It’s not based on fact.

I’ll take that t-shirt if’n you don’t mind (I’m size medium-large). That is infinitely better than the one my bastard of an overactive imagination cooked up: A picture of our cat, looking sad, and a sad picture of the family in the background. Why do I do this to myself?

Why? Because your a gruff, manly, but secretly sentimental uber-techno-geek.

The short-hair cats shed more of them thar allergen-hairs – yes? Everyone knows cats has two kinds of hairs, right? Inner layer and outer layer? Not counting the sensory-feely-hairs that stick out all by themselves from various places? Oui? Non?

Oui? Non?

Mr. McGoo! I never took you for the Frenchy type!

I have noticed that what they said is true: our shih tzu’s hair is very different from the fur of other dogs. Perhaps sheds less too?

Pets are amazing. I never understood the obsession with them until we got one. Turn your life around, they do.

Oh, and I cried. Went in to see our doggy’s X-ray, saw his knee problem, and realized that “rash” was him biting and licking the inside of his leg because the knee hurt. He’d been hurting for a good month or so, and we had no idea. Poor baby. I bawled in my car when I was alone.

The cat hairs have nothing to do with it. The allergen is in the dander (dead skin cells) and saliva.

My sister has 3 cats. I have only been to her house twice. The first time, I remembered my mask, and was able to stay for a half hour. The second time, I forgot my mask and had to leave after 10 minutes…then I sneezed all of the way home.

I hear things weird too – and it’s usually a lot funnier than what was actually said.

Today at lunch, I though a co-worker ordered “tall ketchup and banana pancakes”.

I said (aghast) “What the hell are tall ketchup and banana pancakes?!”

She actually ordered chocolate chip and banana pancakes.
We were lunching la lo-carb today.
Not really.
But that’s what we tell ourselves, and sometimes we actually believe it.

I thought it was both the dead skin cells and the inner hairs? Not that I doubt you, PnB. My memory cannot be depended upon.

My Mom was allergic to cats too. before she passed away she had not been to my brothers home in over a decade – ever since his wife got cats.

I’m not a frenchy type – I’m the I-like-variety-in-terms type. Si?

Jill – you’ve reminded me of those Bollywood music videos that were going around for a while: the ones where the (Indian?) performers/musicians were singing away in their native language and someone “interpreted” the language with the nearest-sounding English words – no matter how nonsensical it came out. Some of the resulting “lyrics” were really hilarious.

I am not sure myself what the difference is between long and short hairs. I have always been told it is the dander, but why that would be different from long to short, I don’t know. I know my husband has fits with long haired cats, but the short haired ones I have he does fine with as long as they aren’t in the bedroom or on his lap. Over the years he has acclimatized to them. One of those “if I’m movin’ in my cat comes with me” deals. 😉

LemurKing – Aw. Poor doggy. 🙁 Makes you feel downright awful when it was something you think you should have noticed, I know. Dunno what the hugs policy is around here, but consider one tossed your way.

A hugs policy! Oh my gosh! Nobody told me what an awesome responsibility blogging would be.

Ummm…right…let’s see. The hugs policy is: okay, but keep your hands where I can see ’em.

That link that McGoo posted (way up there while I was at work) is a typical Aus/NZ format (2-4-4 instead of 3-3-4). I’m assuming if Swease doesn’t recognize it it’s not prevalent in the UK, but I think they use the same format in SAfrica.

I put my mastiff Peach down on Sept 16 ’06 which was a Saturday at 9 1/2 years old (very old for a mastiff). She was doing pretty good for an old girl, a little senile but no huge deal and then she got an infection in her toe. It was all over from there, but she did make the decision easy for me b/c she quit eating.

T-I .. I knew someone here would have an idea what format that is. Like I mentioned, I think it was from Ausieland. Thanx!

Thanks, Steamboat, I’m glad you enjoyed them.

To avoid violating the hug policy, I think I’ll just toss a friendly wave and smile. Or maybe it’s a smirk, depending on whether I’m PMSing or pretending to do so.

but secretly sentimental uber-techno-geek

Goo, I’ve been called metrosexual before but never quite that way. Ouchie. 🙂 Silly goose.

At least I am an ober-techno-geek. That’s some consolation.

Speaking of sensory-feely hairs on a cat, my five year old just trimmed off the whiskers on one side of our thirteen year old cat. He’s afraid to go anywhere because then he runs the risk of *BONK*… there he goes running into something again.

iamfelix – Laptop and Boboko are pretty cats! Kai and Xena look like lovable spazmoids.

Alice – You’re welcome. They’re very good.

Hug, wave, or full-auto snark: just keep postin’ comments. That’s what we folks like at Weaz’s!

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