HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: young@sasquatch.serum.kodak.com (Rich Young (x37176))
Subject: Re: Indoor/Outdoor Kittys!
Organization: Clinical Products Division, Eastman Kodak Company
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1992 12:19:05 GMT

In article <1992Apr10.083258.2509@otago.ac.nz> tracey@otago.ac.nz writes:

>I am intrigued by this indoor/outdoor cat business, could someone please
>enlighten me?  Here in good old NZ all cats I know have free access inside
>and outside, some people even put their cats out last thing at night.  (Not
>us, our monsters prefer to sleep on (or even better inside) the waterbed.)
>Do people actually have cats that NEVER go outside?  Ours love the outdoors,
>and when we're out there they follow us around and 'help' with the gardening.
>Is it done because people live in apartments and have no back yard, or do
>some people feel their cats are better off indoors?

	_I_ keep my cat(s) indoors because:

	   1. They don't get runover by cars in my urban/suburban environs;

	   2. They don't get injuries from fighting with other animals;

	   3. They don't get exposed to worms, fleas, and other parasites;

	   4. They don't get exposed to diseases.

	all of which means that:

	   1. The cats are, in general, healthier, and MAY live longer;

	   2. I know they won't get lost, or stolen, or tortured;

	   3. Vet bills are virtually non-existent.

	I've had as many as five cats at once (all strays) and it's been
	a matter of some interest that NONE of them, once adopted, EVER
	objected to being denied access to the great outdoors.  Most, in
	fact, just sniffed cautiously at the outside air when the door was
	open, and then stalked off to a favorite snoozing area as if saying,
	"What?  Are you NUTS?  I used to LIVE out there and it's NO PICNIC!"


-Rich (young@serum.kodak.com)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
From: puter@no1home.nashvil.ingr.com (Software Dude)
Subject: Re: Ralphin' Kitty
Organization: WHAT?
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1992 21:21:19 GMT

joltes@husc4.harvard.edu (Richard Joltes) spreads with:
>Hi all,
>
>A minor problem has come up with Kabuki, the Screaming Sliamese.  He's been
>randomly ralphing (translation:  throwing up) just after eating. 

Thanx, Richard, for continuing to keep this phrase alive. I think that
I'll start a new one... How about....

My kitten is richarding (translation: taking a dump)...
Ralph
--
Puter	puter@no1home.nashvil.ingr.com "My favorite vanity plate - PHUQUE"
From: langley@ace.acadiau.ca (WANDA LANGLEY)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: hate being brushed
Summary: cat loves it
Keywords: talking, treats
Date: 10 Apr 92 14:18:01 GMT
Organization: Acadia University

Our three year old, Victoria loves being brushed, combed and vacuumed.  We 
started brushing her as soon as she arrived at our home when she was about 
seven weeks old.  We also started vacuuming her soon after that....we can't 
bring the vacuum cleaner out unless she comes over, sprawls on her back and 
waits to be "done".  She loves it outdoors so the second year we had her we 
noticed the dreaded "fleas".  We sent for a flea comb and the first couple 
of times I combed her she was a bit uneasy...however, she loves it now.  I 
sit her on the vanity beside the bathroom sink, put some hot water in the 
sink (to dispose of any fleas) and begin to comb her....talking to her all 
the while...sometimes even singing to her....I have come to the conclusion 
that she loves the "special" attention.  She also knows when she is finished 
she will get a "treat".  By the way - her brush is a soft one and not wire 
so that might help.  However the flea comb has tiny steel teeth but she 
doesn't seem to mind at all.  Like I said, be sure to make a big deal out of 
the grooming - lots of talking and cooing...maybe your cat will come round 
after all.  I hope so - for your sake ...as well as your cat's.  Good luck.
From: fuhry@think.com (Debbie Fuhry)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: Re: Moving cats
Date: 17 Apr 1992 18:17:07 GMT
Organization: Thinking Machines Corporation, Cambridge MA, USA
NNTP-Posting-Host: leander.think.com

We will also be moving to a new home in a few weeks.  I've planned on just
putting them in one of the bedrooms with their food, water and litter box
while we're actually moving.  I've thought I might put one or two of our
coats (they both love coats (??)) as "furniture" and to provide a familiar
smell and soft place to sleep in the room with them.

I figured if we moved them last, then when they get to the new place, all
"their" furniture will already be there.  Unfortunately, a *dog* used to
live in this place, so I don't know how they'll react.

(Even worse, the dog was given to the next door neigbors, and has always
had free run in what is going to be *our* house -- no dogs allowed!)

I've thought of confining them to one room when we get there so they can
get used to it more easily, but I don't know if that's a good idea or not.
Both of them get distraught if they're locked out of whatever room we're
in.

I hadn't considered taking them to someone else's house -- it just seemed
like it would add to the strangness factor they'll already be
experiencing..

Good luck!

Debbie Fuhry
From: eroth@cbnewsf.cb.att.com (elizabeth.s.roth)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: FeLuk Infected Cat
Date: 8 Apr 92 16:16:44 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: AT&T


As I wrote a while back, Angel tested positive last October for FeLuk.
A that time we decided she would remain a barn cat so as not to risk
infecting the house cat, Holly.

Two weeks ago, Angel had to go to the vet to have an abscess drained
and it appeared it was the result of a cat bite.  In talking with the
vet about this, I realized that her remaining outside meant she was
a threat to other outdoor cats and also that she was more likely to
be exposed to physical stresses which she might not be able to resist
like a healthy cat would.  So ... she is coming indoors.

Does anyone have any advice about extra protection I can give Holly?
I am considering semi-annual vaccinations and wondered if that would
improve her resistance.  I know that separate food bowls/litter boxes
etc. would help but that will not be possible in our very small house.
Neither one is the type to participate in mutual grooming and their
play seems to consist strictly of chasing each other around the house,
no biting or wrestling.

Any suggestions or information on this subject would be helpful.
Thx very much.


Susan

-- 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>=<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
> Education never helped morals ... the smarter the |     (all the usual      <
> guy, the bigger the rascal.   --- Will Rogers --- |       disclaimers)      <
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>=<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
From: ness@tc.fluke.COM (Jerry Ness)
Subject: Re: Bathing Cats???
Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1992 18:59:56 GMT

We have always used a large towel in the bottom of the tub when bathing
the cats. The real trick to giving cats a bath is to avoid the sound
of running water. We have a large pitcher that we fill with warm water
and the shampoo. We fill the sink with warm water to rinse them off.
They still get a little tense but at least it isn't necessary to rent
a suit of armor. 

We have some close friends that give their cat a bath in the kitchen sink
using the spray hose. The cat loves it! Then the cat stands on a towel on
the kitchen counter and waits for the blow drier. This cat will just stand
there and let you blow dry one side 'til it done then she turns around
on her own so you can dry the other side.

My cats panic when I turn on the blow drier to dry my hair.

'nuf ramblin'
Jerry

owned by:
Maudi Bryn Ben Toby Bobbin   Magellan Willie Turbo
            ^                           ^
         ferrets                     felines
-- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jerry Ness             John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc.        Everett, Washington USA
            domain:    ness@tc.fluke.COM   
            uucp:      {sun,microsoft,uw-beaver}!fluke!ness
From: swwhatley@lescsse.jsc.nasa.gov (STEVEN WHATLEY)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: Meet Willie and Magic
Summary: New cats on the block
Keywords: new, hello
Date: 9 Apr 1992 14:32:05 GMT
Organization: Lockheed Engineering and Sciences


Hello cat owners,

This is my first post.  I guess the best way to introduce myself is to 
introduce my cats.  My first cat, Willie, is a two year old, neutered,
declawed, blue eyed, white manx.  A friend of mine found him in a abandoned 
box with other manx kittens in front of a grocery store.  A year later, my
same friend convinced a breeder friend to retire Champion Black Magic.
Magic is six year old, golden eyed, almost solid black manx.  She has a 
small white diamond shaped spot on her chest.

They are both indoor cats.  Willie and Magic get along pretty good.  I guess
Willie "sort of" respects her age.  Oh, don't worry about poor clawless, 
front only, Willie.  Magic's claws takes of the "sort of" part.  An occasional
slap is needed to keep Willie from dominating her.  I have never seen them
(or any evidence of) fighting.  

Well, I might as well give my first comment on this news group.

Neal, have you thought about shooting kitten?  No, not with a real gun!!!!
Water pistols work wonders with misbehaving cats.  They hate it!  I no longer
have to chase after my cats when they're naughty.  I just say "NO!" then aim 
and squirt.  Sometimes I can even get four or five squirts before they go
into hiding.

That's all for now.  I hope to learn more about cats by reading this news 
group.  Please, tell me about some your experiences with cats and I will
share some of mine.

Later,
Steven
From: jpk@Ingres.COM (Jon Krueger)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: Re: PEDIGREES
Date: 12 Apr 92 19:51:43 GMT
Reply-To: jpk@Ingres.COM (Jon Krueger)
Organization: Ask Computer Systems Inc., Ingres Division, Alameda CA 94501

Marla Belzowski writes:
> look at local humane shelters to see what irresponsible breeding is.

True, you'll find plenty of purebreds there.

-- Jon
--
Jon Krueger   jpk@ingres.com                    Oh we pulled the handle out,
and we pushed the handle in, and the steam went to the pistons just the same
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
From: "angela allen" <angie@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu>
Subject: Re: Mousie toy
Organization: Computer Science, Indiana University
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 92 17:19:25 -0500

ARL00SJB@UNCCVM.UNCC.EDU writes:
[cat really likes track-ball toy]

This must be proof that yes, cats REALLY do have individual
personalities. Our kitties' foster parents bought them one of these as
a gift when they moved in with us. Neither cat plays with it much ---
it gets a bat or two every couple of months. I thought it was a real
dud until I read here that other cats love them. 

Now what Jaka goes nuts over is milk rings. She uses them up (ie.,
"challenges" herself by batting them under the fridge then trying to
get them back out) so fast that we have had to use substitutes: the
rings from 2-liter bottles, peanut jars, New York Seltzer bottles,
etc.  These don't hold her interest for long --- she recognizes 
quality, genuine milk jug rings!

Cerebus doesn't notice milk rings. He looks at Jaka strangely when she
plays with them, as though wondering what she sees in them. But since
we put the cat-dancer end in a kitchen drawer (our arms were getting
REALLY tired), he can be heard at all hours scrambling around after
it. Jaka gives him the "why in the world do you find that stupid thing
amusing" look. 

Anyway, I'm thinking of going out and getting one of these fur mousies
to see which cat will like it. My words of wisdom to potential buyers
of the track-balls (and other expensive toys) are: borrow one first.

--angie
==============================================================================
"The reason for living [is] to get  | angie@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu
 ready to stay dead a long time."   | X does not speak for me. --Eric Pepke
  --Addie Bundren, via Wm. Faulkner | (Who, BTW, does not speak for me.)
==============================================================================
From: rm55+@pitt.edu (Rudolph T Maceyko)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: cat thought to be lost!
Date: 17 Apr 92 19:11:27 GMT
Organization: University of Pittsburgh


Yesterday, I was gone from my apartment from 2:00pm-5:00pm.  By about 5:30pm,
I thought my good friend Milgen had returned to the outside world where I had
got her from in November!

I couldn't find her anywhere!  Not under my bed, the couches, in closets, in
the basement...

She was originally a stray, and has not trusted humans in general, although
she trusts me (although not so much when others are around).  However, she has
never really hid from me.

So I assumed she had got out.  Being spring, she would probably meet up with
outside cats (maybe some were her friends before, if she would remember them).
I would most likely see her again, since the group of feral cats roams around
my apartment and she wears a collar and ID tag.

Well, I started asking the neighbors to phone me if they saw her, and continued
writing a paper which was due today (nice trying to write a paper under such
conditions!).

At 1:30pm, who do I see waltzing across my bedroom floor, but MILGEN!  Of
course, she acted like nothing was wrong at all.

But I can't figure out where she could have been!  (Or why she would have
hidden at all!)

During Milgen's absence, The Destroyer craved so much affection, that I 
considered that she might have done something to Milgen to get more attention
for herself!  Fortunately, I was wrong...

Rudy

-- 
Rudy Maceyko <rm55+@pitt.edu>
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA
From: gms@vax.oxford.ac.uk
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: Re: Giardia
Date: 16 Apr 92 13:09:59 GMT
Organization: Oxford University VAXcluster

In article <15APR92.23410628@nauvax.ucc.nau.edu>, coody@nauvax.ucc.nau.edu writes:
> I have a new kitten which I rescued from the Humane Society.  The kitten has
> Giardia (intestinal parasite).  I treated him for 8 days with medicine from the
> vet.  He is not better.  I aparently contracted Giardia as well.  I have a
> three-year old daughter whose health is at risk.  The vet has recommended
> another 8 day treatment.  If the cat does not respond, he will have chroni
> c Giardia.  If I return him to the Humane Society, they will put him down
> immediately.  Has anyone had a cat with Giardia.  Did the cat respond to
> treatment.  Do you know of any humans who have contracted Giardia from a pet?
> Thank you for your input.  Advice about how to face a moral dilemma is also
> welcome.  Please respond to this account or Karen Underhill  KUU@NAUVAX.UCC.NAU.EDU.


Gardia is not as uncommon as you may think! I am surprised that it was an
8 day course, when my dog had cronic diarrhoea and the vet suggested gardia
it was a one dose treatment (same in humans). (If I remember correctly it
was after an extra wet, wet season). You should also get something from
your doctor. The Vet said his children were treated for it once, he didn't
seem to concerned.
(Living in the tropics you get a bit blaise about all the nasties you can 
pick up from the soil etc)

Cheers
Michele
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: Re: Crypto Infected Cat (SanDiego)
Date: 17 Apr 92 12:51:05 -0500
Organization: University of Northern Iowa

In article <1992Apr13.174046.81@mtechca.uucp>, carvalho@mtechca.uucp writes:
> I've got an owner (Effi). He's developed a grown in his nose and a terrible
> sneeze response. The vet suspects Crypto Cococci(spelling?) or a type of tumor.
> He's done a biopsy and a culture. I'me trying to find out more info. I've got
> four other owners and I don't want to lose them.
> --joe

Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease that can manifest in several ways.  One is
a set of neurological manifestations, including depression, ataxia, circling
and weakness.  The neurological form is not curable, based on my rather
outdated knowledge.

The runny-nose form of Cryptococcosis is treatable with antifungals.  I forget
what we used on Catkin, but like all fungal diseases, it's a long-term
treatment.

Kay Klier   Biology Dept  UNI
From: rm55+@pitt.edu (Rudolph T Maceyko)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: Butt Wiggling (was Re: Thumper)
Date: 12 Apr 92 20:59:51 GMT
Organization: University of Pittsburgh

In article <1992Apr10.222454.4149@tellab5.tellabs.com> pauls@tellabs.com (Paul Silver) writes:
>My cat does this too, only she thumps it against the walls, against the
>garbage can, against me, etc.  It seems to occur when she has her
>night time crazies.  She gets that look in her eyes, gets all nervous,
>thumps her back foot, and takes off running.

I'm sure The Destroyer isn't the only cat who does the following...

When she's about to attack something, she wiggles her butt right before
the attack.

Her mother does the same thing.

Rudy

-- 
Rudy Maceyko <rm55+@pitt.edu>
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA
From: scm@harvee.UUCP (S. Mudgett aka little gator)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: Re: Cleo
Date: 16 Apr 92 08:15:14 GMT
Organization: gators 'r us
X-Version: Rodney's UUCP modules 02/11/90 V1.18

In article <45278@mentor.cc.purdue.edu> saavik@mentor.cc.purdue.edu
(Marla Belzowski (K-9's)) writes:
(condensed to save space)
> We had to put Cleo to sleep on Sunday.  We don't really know how it
> happened, but at far as we can tell this is what occurred.

> two cats.  Cleo got stepped-on and her jaw compound fractured in the process.   
> (that or she ran into the brick wall trying to get out of the way,
> we just don't know).
> 
> The vet looked at her and there really wasn't any other visable
> damage but her jaw was terribly fractured.  She had been picking
> at her fur all down her back recently (she was looking really bad),
> and she was only eating wet food because of tooth loose.   Her jaws
> were initially weak and the vet didn't think that she would ever
> heal with her age and the severity of the fracture.  We couldn't
> leave her jaw like that because she would have starved to death.
> She was always a very thin cat.

it sounds like her jawbone had gotten so fragile that any little thing,
even a good sneeze, might have broken it.  don't be so sure it's wolfie's
fault.

leela(my oldest and dearest) got lots of extra hugs aftre i read that.

--
-- little gator aka S. Mudgett     email: scm@harvee.uucp
-- friend of a gator is a friend of mine
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
From: u0550bm@unx.ucc.okstate.edu (Melyssa )
Subject: Re: Bathing Cats: Soap recommendations needed
Organization: Oklahoma State University Computer Center
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1992 23:31:02 GMT

In article <3692@winnie.fit.edu> rpollack@zach.fit.edu (Randy Pollack) writes:
>I've given a lot of baths to Persians and I've found that Dawn is
>good for degreasing (dilute it quite a bit in water before you try

I use Dr. Bronner's castile soap with a lemon rinse (1 lemon soaked over
night in a quart of water). It leaves the kitties real shiny and
clean....I was told not to use commercial dish soaps on cats....I'm new
to the group, I have three indoor cats and two outdoor (strays I feed
and take to the doctor, they really belong to the neighborhood) I really
like this cat talk...
        ----melyssa


Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
From: "angela allen" <angie@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu>
Subject: Re: Cat bringing home unwanted rodents
Organization: Computer Science, Indiana University
Date: Sat, 11 Apr 92 14:56:50 -0500

esh2@po.CWRU.Edu (Evelyn S. Hlabse) writes:

>Unfortunately, now that the weather is improving she goes out the
>pet door and has started hunting. 

I don't think you can stop her from hunting, but you can modify the
way she does it. When she presents you with a gift, ignore her while
you take it out to the porch (or wherever) outside. Then call her
there (she probably followed anyway), and praise&pet her for her
wonderful skills and kindness. Do this EVERY TIME, and when you notice
her leaving the animals in the correct spot on her own, praise her
even more. (This means you'll have to pick a spot that you pass by
often enough that the cat doesn't go unpraised when she leaves animals
there.) 

--angie
==============================================================================
"The reason for living [is] to get  | angie@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu
 ready to stay dead a long time."   | X does not speak for me. --Eric Pepke
  --Addie Bundren, via Wm. Faulkner | (Who, BTW, does not speak for me.)
==============================================================================

Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
From: poirier@ellerbe.rtp.dg.com (Charles Poirier)
Subject: Re: Well!  I'll be darned...
Summary: Real rabbit fur
Date: Mon, 6 Apr 92 19:32:26 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Data General Corporation. RTP, NC.

In article <1992Apr2.221107.13325@cbnewsm.cb.att.com> tjr@cbnewsm.cb.att.com (theodore.j.roycraft) writes:
>>In article <1992Apr2.132710.25182@athena.cs.uga.edu> stanton@athena.cs.uga.edu (Cat Stanton) writes:
>>>these are toy mice with real (rabbits?) fur on them.  They smell quite
>>>real and just make Steve go crazy.  Thanks Joan!!! :)
>
>Doesn't this seem a bit barbaric?  How would you feel if it were cat fur?

If the smell of cat fur made my cats crazy, I'd feel worried.  But rabbits
are not cats.  Rabbits are the long-eared rat-like vermin that eat my
garden.  Cats are cats.  Hey, I've got a little rabbit story.

One of my kittens (their cat birthday is next week though) brought a live
bunny in through the cat flap and they both proceeded to terrorize it down in
the basement.  I wasn't sure what that blood-chilling cry was; it sounded
a bit like a cat being throttled; but it turned out to be a small bunny.

Not wanting a dead bunny to turn up next week under the washer, I closed off
the doors at the bottom of the stairs, trapping bunny in the 6 x 3 landing.
Frenzy and Cassius lounged insouciantly in the corners, watching bunny run
headlong into the walls in an effort to escape.  Hop, hop, hop, thump!  Hop,
hop, hop, thump!  I decided to call him Thumper.

Occasionally Thumper ran headlong into a kitten.  That was enough to provoke
a brief tussle, particularly from Frenzy.  Mostly though, they just watched
as their real fur toy ran from one wall to the other.

Eventually I started to have second thoughts about how much mess it would
make to have Thumper killed and eaten indoors.  I picked it up (SQUEEEEEEE!)
and examined it.  Thumper seemed mostly viable, excepting a chunk of
real rabbit fur and skin missing from the right haunch.  Hauling kit and
kaboodle out into the night, I released Thumper to defend itself in its own
habitat.  Cassius tracked Thumper a couple of dozen yards, then apparently
lost him.  We all went back inside without Thumper.

It didn't matter.  Frenzy was playing with Thumper again the following day.
But it just wasn't the same.  He always seems so disappointed when his real
fur toys stop working.

Barbaric?  No.  Barbarism is a higher state of civilization than cats can
handle.  Carnivorous?  Of course.  I won't try to train my cats not to chase
and catch things.

	"I said 'Live it, or live *with* it!'" -- Firesign Theater
	Charles Poirier