Do tabby cats grow more stripes as they get older, or do their stripes just get bigger? [more inside]
posted by ish__ on Dec 16, 2009 - 12 answers

My cat is used to getting a lot of attention, but is now left home alone for most of the day. How can I ensure she doesn't feel too lonely? [more inside]
posted by reenum on Oct 13, 2009 - 15 answers

Feline leukemia: one cat has it, one cat doesn't. Tell me your stories... [more inside]
posted by odi.et.amo on Aug 22, 2009 - 8 answers

My diabetic cat has an off-again-on-again pancreas, so his insulin needs vary. I asked my vet about home monitoring using a glucometer. The vet said no one she knows who's tried it with a cat has succeeded. I tried it following this excellent video and found it was a piece of cake. Now we adjust his insulin based on twice-a-day readings, just as humans do (three times a day). I'm considering offering free home-monitoring training to owners of diabetic pets in my community who might benefit from home testing, as a public service. Do you think this would be useful?
posted by markcmyers on Jul 29, 2009 - 7 answers

Cat gone crazy? If so, what to do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 21, 2009 - 17 answers

My husband has given me a deadline of two weeks to keep our cat from waking us up at night. If I can't change her or find a home for her he will insist on giving her to a shelter. (alternatively, if you live near Ft. Wayne In and would like to adopt the cat) [more inside]
posted by Niomi on Jun 9, 2009 - 131 answers

Looking for a last minute pet-sitter in Los Angeles! [more inside]
posted by Space Kitty on Jan 13, 2009 - 8 answers

For minor pet health questions: suggest websites that are comprehensive & user-friendly? I'd like to avoid unnecessary vet visits. [more inside]
posted by pseudostrabismus on Oct 30, 2008 - 10 answers

Will the drug that my vet prescribed kill my cat? It's unapproved for use in the US. [more inside]
posted by Braeog on Sep 23, 2008 - 11 answers

How do I stop my cat from violently attacking strangers when they come over? [more inside]
posted by jModug on Jun 29, 2008 - 9 answers

Why does my cat have whiskers on his legs? [more inside]
posted by arnicae on Feb 22, 2008 - 6 answers

My dogs seem to like cat treats. Any harm in it? [more inside]
posted by foxydot on Jan 18, 2008 - 13 answers

Does my cat have a chronic respiratory infection, or is it possible she just naturally has poor breathing passages? Ever since my partner and I adopted her and her sister in August she has had periodic coughing and hacking fits that have been relatively unaffected by three separate rounds of antibiotics. Now I wonder if maybe she just has the equivalent of a deviated septum, or whether it's time for hospitalization. [more inside]
posted by schroedinger on Dec 13, 2007 - 13 answers

My FIV+ cat is bored. Help! [more inside]
posted by arnicae on Nov 3, 2007 - 15 answers

CatFilter: Help me make my cat less jealous of the new kitten. [more inside]
posted by Menomena on Aug 9, 2007 - 7 answers

how do we keep track of whose turn it is to change litter? [more inside]
posted by esolo on Jul 23, 2007 - 26 answers

My kitten is acting very listless and her inner eyelids are half closed. Anyone else experience this? [more inside]
posted by jtoth on Jun 8, 2007 - 19 answers

Help me break my cat's spirit. [more inside]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur on May 7, 2007 - 35 answers

Once again, our apartment has ants. The problem? This year we also have a cat. There's tons of information out there (both on the internet in general and ask metafilter in particular) but some of it is contridictory, and much of it doesn't mention danger to pets. So, what have you used to rid yourself of the little beasts without endangering your furry friends? [more inside]
posted by mostlymartha on Apr 10, 2007 - 21 answers

I have a 12-week old kitten. Both my partner and I are at work/school during the day. How long can I leave her alone for?
posted by esolo on Feb 28, 2007 - 21 answers

Please help our kitties learn to use the litter box again. [more inside]
posted by k8t on Feb 9, 2007 - 14 answers

Two cats; one belongs to me, one belongs to roommate. Roommate is moving out. Will the kitties be better off together, or is it okay to seperate them? [more inside]
posted by bhayes82 on Jan 15, 2007 - 20 answers

How do I arrange for the best possible care for our kitty while we're away from San Francisco for the holidays? [more inside]
posted by mostlymartha on Nov 16, 2006 - 16 answers

I think my cat is dying. How do I make her last days more comfortable? [more inside]
posted by Glitter Ninja on Nov 4, 2006 - 16 answers

Is there a human equivalent to premium cat food? That is to say, a single form of synthetic food that will serve all hunger and nutritional needs? If not, why not? [more inside]
posted by ontic on Oct 13, 2006 - 40 answers

Mom's older Siamese cat has unusual ailment for over 1yr. Anal opening spasms shut causing backup necessitating repeat deostipations by vet. Any other suggested treatments? [more inside]
posted by swiffa on Oct 10, 2006 - 8 answers

I'm thinking of adopting a kitten (or possibly an adult cat) but... [more inside]
posted by keswick on Sep 28, 2006 - 24 answers

How do I keep my kitten from swallowing food whole? (it seems to hurt.) [more inside]
posted by jessicapierce on Aug 26, 2006 - 23 answers

What is it with cats and the little spot at the base of their tail? [more inside]
posted by atom128 on Aug 6, 2006 - 19 answers

Home alone cat - While I am on vacation, should I leave my cat at home or take her somewhere for a week? [more inside]
posted by mad_little_monkey on Jun 7, 2006 - 29 answers

What is the best cat litter system? [more inside]
posted by mad_little_monkey on Mar 28, 2006 - 37 answers

My cat appears to have some mystery allergy, or allergies, since he is nearly hairless from his shoulders down. Anyone have a suggestion for a cause? I've tried a number of things... [more inside]
posted by lester the unlikely on Mar 2, 2006 - 19 answers

How far down will/can a cat jump? Mine is up on a shelf 7/8 feet off the floor and I'm wondering if its worth distressing her and hauling her down or just let her get bored and get down herself. [more inside]
posted by gilsonal on Jan 29, 2006 - 16 answers

My partner and I are looking into a Burmese cat and were wondering a few things: [more inside]
posted by Rothko on Dec 10, 2005 - 8 answers

Cat with a swollen stomach. Vets, cat owners and helpful people welcome inside.. [more inside]
posted by fire&wings on Nov 14, 2005 - 22 answers

What do I feed my new kitten? [more inside]
posted by asnowballschance on Oct 17, 2005 - 9 answers

One or more times weekly, my cat Cooper is afflicted with a very strange problem. The skin on his lower back - near his tail - starts twitching. Like, a lot. He'll stop; turn his head with a sort-of pissed off look and STARE at the spot on his back while it continues to twitch. Eventually he starts licking the spot furiously. After a few seconds of licking, he'll explode from his position and go galloping across the room or - many times - the entire house. It can go on for as many as 10 minutes at times; this series of behaviors. It seems like he’s trying to run away from this invisible force – this “butt ghost” as I’ve come to call it. Can anyone explain this?
posted by cbecker333 on Sep 27, 2005 - 17 answers

In addition to putting up posters, newspaper ads, calling friends and asking co-workers, what are legitimate "safe" options for getting rid of all our cats? [more inside]
posted by burhan on Aug 28, 2005 - 8 answers

Wish I had his problem! Our lanky cat, who is two years old and in all respects healthy otherwise, is very skinny. How do we fatten him up? And should we? [more inside]
posted by cacahuete on Jul 27, 2005 - 14 answers

I am moving from the West Coast to the East Coast and I'm wondering what the best way to move my beloved cat. I was originally going to bring her on my flight as a carry-on, but I'm thinking that the plane ride may be too long in a small pet carrier. There is also the option of checking her in as luggage, but most airlines don't allow this in the summer months (i.e. the time I'm moving). Any suggestions? Shipping is also an option; any suggestions on airline-friendly kennels that can attach water and food? Also, to sedate or not to sedate?
posted by Dante5Inferno on Jul 25, 2005 - 15 answers

Why is my kitty lumpy? What ideas do you all have that can cause lumps in cats? [more inside]
posted by spinifex23 on Jun 13, 2005 - 12 answers

I'm allergic to cats. Will I be unhappy if I move into a place in which a cat used to live? It is mostly hardwood floors, but two rooms have carpets. No furniture or draperies will remain.
posted by callmejay on May 29, 2005 - 8 answers

How do I trick my cat into peeing? [more inside]
posted by bcwinters on May 3, 2005 - 10 answers

So, my new roommate brought a cat with her, and she's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I want her to eat wet food as well as dry (she seems to love it), but everytime I open the can I retch. Has anybody found a way around this?
posted by jon_kill on Mar 24, 2005 - 26 answers

How can I find a home for a troubled pet? [more inside]

I am at my wit's end and don't know what to do. The problem started when my girlfriend moved in over two years ago, bringing two adult cats along. My two adults did not get along with hers, and we've tried just about everything to get them used to each other. Eventually, we had to just separate them, but it broke my heart to have cats barricaded in my basement, so we decided to just open the basement door to let the cats come and go. It's been like that for about a year without many problems, and I thought I was making some progress when one of my cats started coming upstairs willingly and tolerating the others (being able to sit in the living room with the other cats while we watch TV).

The past month or so has been different, though. My cat started peeing (and worse) on our bed. I draw the line there, because I cannot afford to buy all new bedclothes and mattress pads every couple of weeks.

I would like to find this cat a new home, because I think the basic problem stems from having too many cats in a small space. I know if I take her to the animal shelter, they will have trouble adopting her out, given her past and her age (nine). I doubt an ad would work because she's very skittish (and I cannot in good conscience give a cat away without telling someone about her problems).

Does anyone have any suggestions?
posted by anonymous on Dec 12, 2004 - 13 answers

Pet door. One cat gets to come and go as he pleases. The other cat isn't allowed to use it. Question: How? (more inside, of course...) [more inside]
posted by nakedcodemonkey on Aug 18, 2004 - 22 answers

My cat almost always shows an interest in people food - until you offer it to her, upon which, almost invariably, she will sniff it and look disappointed. This happens even with uncooked chicken and tuna from the can. Also, whenever we open a can, she runs frantically into the kitchen and tries to see up on the counter - she eats dry cat food, and I've tried to serve her wet food, but no dice on that. Do cats really remember a specific food from the past? Is she hoping for something gross I would never buy, like canned pigs feet or something? Or was she perhaps posioned by people food and distrusts it now? She came from a shelter a couple of years ago (found in a motel) so I have no idea what her background is.
posted by agregoli on Feb 6, 2004 - 30 answers

I desperately want a cat, and my S.O. is slightly allergic. Does anyone know if there are any breeds of cat that are less likely to provoke an allergic reaction? Any suggestions for keeping his allergies from being a problem, other than a HEPA vacuum? Also, he wants a ferret. Is a ferret likely to cause him any problems? Am I likely to have any problems raising a ferret and a cat together?
posted by stoneegg21 on Jan 5, 2004 - 34 answers