Author Topic: Sigh!  (Read 2991 times)

Offline Angiew

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #19 on: August 30, 2009, 15:05:06 PM »
the spray can be used from a few days old!

Offline Mark

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #18 on: August 30, 2009, 12:59:30 PM »
Even frontline spray says 8 weeks.
DO NOT BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER ANIMALS DIE

I believe I am not interested to know whether Vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn't. To know that the results are profitable to the race would not remove my hostility to it.  Mark Twain

Offline Gill (sneakiefeline)

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #17 on: August 30, 2009, 12:56:25 PM »
DO NOT use spot on 2 week old kittens, use a flea comb as has been suggested

Offline blackcat

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #16 on: August 30, 2009, 11:31:46 AM »
Much better - thanks Felis, I think you will get a more rapid response now  ;D

Offline Felix Felicis

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #15 on: August 30, 2009, 11:21:10 AM »
I will make a new post as the OH seems to get a bit carried away and tell a lot of things that aren't so relevant :evillaugh:

BRB with new thread and thanks for the advice.

Offline blackcat

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #14 on: August 30, 2009, 11:15:37 AM »
Much as I love Snappy Tom (or my cats do) I would not consider them a reliable source of info on kittens. And remember, that the Australian climate is not as dank as yours (well it is here at the moment, but in general). I really think you need to either change the name of this thread (go into your first post and modify it) or start another thread. You will not get the right people looking with a title like 'sigh'. It needs to be specific (like I suggested earlier) and give your location. Please do this before they all head out for Sunday lunch ....

Offline Felix Felicis

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #13 on: August 30, 2009, 11:05:12 AM »
Failing this get to a pet shop, there are pet shops open on a Sunday and get a flea comb and comb the blighters out. You will not get all of them but you will lessem the burden on the babies. I usually put a bowl of water by the side of me with a drop of cooking oil in at and drop the fleas in there as they are fast blighters and will jump back on to the cat again. Be careful though not to get the oil on the babies.

About the combing, I have read it is best to give a warm bath and use a little washing up liquid to "wash" the kittens with before combing them, as advised here:

http://www.catsofaustralia.com/kitten_fleas.htm

Do you know if that's really advisable? It's very hard to know what information to trust when there are so many differing opinions.

Offline Felix Felicis

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #12 on: August 30, 2009, 10:59:05 AM »
We do have a Pets at Home, I attempted to get the spray from them but they don't stock it.

With the mother, I am trying to figure out if it's advisable to use Frontline Spot On as we have 1 pipette left from our last box. And if so how long I should keep her separated from the kittens afterwards as she is still nursing.

Offline dabs

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #11 on: August 30, 2009, 10:57:57 AM »
Snap Mark, you posted while I was compiling! Great minds think alike.  ;)
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Offline dabs

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #10 on: August 30, 2009, 10:57:02 AM »
It is frontline spray that you need and this is only available on prescription and can only be obtained from a vet. At two weeks old fleas can kill a kitten. Is there anyone from a rescue near to this lady who can get over with some frontline spray, to help her and the kittens out?


Failing this get to a pet shop, there are pet shops open on a Sunday and get a flea comb and comb the blighters out. You will not get all of them but you will lessem the burden on the babies. I usually put a bowl of water by the side of me with a drop of cooking oil in at and drop the fleas in there as they are fast blighters and will jump back on to the cat again. Be careful though not to get the oil on the babies.

This is the only short term measure that I can think off, sorry.
Nuneaton and Hinckley Cats in Need

Offline Mark

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #9 on: August 30, 2009, 10:53:03 AM »
Is there a pet shop open anywhere such as Pets at home, otherwise a Wilkinsons as I know they sell flea combs - I got a plastic one in there for about 30p. You could comb the fleas out. Otherwise if there is a rescue nearby, they might be able to give you something to use. If you comb the fleas, have a bowl of warm water with a little bit of washing up liquid in. This breaks the surface tension of the water so they can't jump back out  :sick:
« Last Edit: August 30, 2009, 12:58:46 PM by Mark »
DO NOT BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER ANIMALS DIE

I believe I am not interested to know whether Vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn't. To know that the results are profitable to the race would not remove my hostility to it.  Mark Twain

Offline Felix Felicis

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #8 on: August 30, 2009, 10:40:39 AM »
It's the OH here now.

Just tried to find somewhere to get the spray from but it seems that won't be possible until Tuesday (bank holiday tomorrow).

Anyone has some suggestions as to what to do about the fleas? How urgent is it to treat them, and how dangerous is it for them to have fleas at that age? These kittens are only 2 weeks old by the way. I haven't seen a flea yet personally so they aren't crawling with them... yet  :innocent:

Offline Mark

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2009, 10:06:59 AM »
I am a CP volunteer and do the phones. Another one of the reasons for the answerphone is that various volunteers cover different days. We always call people back within a couple of hours at the most. I know from various things I have seen that not all branches are the same. I know Jasmine on here has a lot to do with one of the good branches in Cambridgeshire and also that one particular branch in the area is pretty rubbish (I had better not say which one) Hopefully she will be along to advise. We always make kittens (as well as sick or elderly cats) top priority and so should they. If you don't have any joy, phone CP head office and ask to speak to the area co-ordinator. The kittens are lucky that there is someone around like you for them  :hug: - I won't go into a rant about people like your neighbour but I think we have a similar loathing for that type.

PS - I think Reynard is also in the area and has a lot to do with one of the branches.

As for the  :bum: PCA  :tired:
« Last Edit: August 30, 2009, 10:10:02 AM by Mark »
DO NOT BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER ANIMALS DIE

I believe I am not interested to know whether Vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn't. To know that the results are profitable to the race would not remove my hostility to it.  Mark Twain

Offline blackcat

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2009, 10:04:58 AM »
Yep, it's a common problem. I am currently trying to talk down the puppy-fever next door. Their mother's elderly dog finally got round to dying ('I just can't bring myself to have her put down' - you know the story) and the kids - all nine of them - are begging for puppies. Now these people have two other dogs that spend their entire lives on the chain. The rare occasions they get off they kill their equally feral chickens. I am trying to convince the mother that waiting a while, so they can talk as a family about training processes etc might be a good idea. As she is insanely jealous of how obedient and loveable my dog is, I am hoping she will see sense. But I am not holding my breath.

Cambridgeshire does not ring any bells member-wise, but just keep this thread bumped up and someone will come along. Maybe just a short post with a new title - 'v.young kittens with fleas - advice please' will get a better reaction. It takes a while to work your way down to the nub of your issue on this thread...

Offline Felix Felicis

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2009, 09:51:00 AM »
we are in Cambridgeshire so if anyone is close it would be great to have someone to talk to directly either here with pms or on the phone!

I guess it's bad everywhere, it just breaks my heart and after all the bad discoveries I have done the few past days I really feel no one really cares at all anymore. I do not have kids myself, but it seems people around here get them as toys for their kids instead of teaching them responsibilities  :censored:


Offline blackcat

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2009, 09:34:38 AM »
Lol, country living is not all it's cracked up to be. I am in the country, on a small farmlet-to-be but my neighbour's approach to animal welfare is a constant source of stress to me. Many people in the country do not seem to grasp that their animals are living feeling beings so some pretty awful stuff happens from time to time.

There are CP people on here, so maybe you could PM one of them? Whereabouts are you in the UK? (general, not specific, you can't be too careful on public forums).

Offline Felix Felicis

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2009, 09:10:23 AM »
Thanks for the reply! (Still sitting here and waiting for the shop to open  :tired:)

Yes I got a bit worried about the flea spray as well as it said on their webpage quite clearly to not use it on any kittens under the age of 8 weeks (these are about 2 now I think) Normally I would get them all to the vet and let them handle the fleas but they are as mentioned not open today and not sure if they are open Monday either (bank holiday)  :scared: The more I read about fleas on young kittens the more scared I get so I will call vet24 back (this also annoys me because they should know what they are talking about ?  :-: ) and see what they say.

We planned to get her spayed when the kittens are ready for new homes (12 weeks in my book) but would like opinions on this, if the spay can be done earlier? It is no problem keeping her inside so far, she only leaves the kittens to visit the litter tray, eat and get some cuddles when we are not right next to her and the kittens.

There is sadly no way I can keep 7 cats (as much as I would like to) and was hoping CP could give us advice on rehoming, homechecks and how to set up a contract so new owners will neuter them and so on. I do understand that they are very busy, especially at this time of year and I feel a bit pushy (after calling several times earlier about the cat traps and leaving messages with no response) this is not a crisis situation and I'm sure they got a lot more serious things to take care of but it's all getting a bit much and it's nice to be able to talk to someone that know how to handle it all. There is no problem keeping the kittens here until new homes are found and they will all get all the care and attention they need I'm mainly worried about not finding perfect homes for them. After many many months of this, that could have been avoided if they neutered poor mumcat in the first place I really want to make it all right once and for all.

Now if i only lived out in the countryside on a farm with no neighbours..  :tired:

Offline blackcat

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Re: Sigh!
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2009, 08:36:45 AM »
Well, I agree the cat and her kittens are better off with you. CP usually is staffed by volunteers so the answerphone is there to allow the volunteers to organise their own lives a bit. Though I do understand the difficulties of getting on when you are not expecting one. Call them back but make sure you have a 'script' in front of you that allows you to cover your concerns and reminds you to give a return number. Try to make that a landline.

As for flea treatment, I would be concerned about using it on such tiny kittens. I am sure someone here will have a solution for you. I suggest you get mum cat to the vet for her operation ASAP (CP can help you with vouchers for the cost) and if you do not feel you can keep the entire family, then CP will probably be able to help you home them to suitable carers. They may not be able to take them in, as they are usually overcrowded, but can be sure that their details are known so CP can get in touch once someone suitable comes along.

Sounds like a nightmare neighbourhood you live in. Rather you than me  :hug:

Offline Felix Felicis

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Sigh!
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2009, 07:51:44 AM »
Some of you have read our old thread about the neighbours kittens that was left outside for days and weeks without much attention, about her first litter and how she became pregnant.. again.

Well the day after I posted my update in the old thread she had her kittens, inside and all was well according to the neighbour, 4 tiny furballs this time. My neighbour likes to drink and party with their friends who also have kids, and they like to do it all night and if its a tuesday or a friday night doesnt matter, over there it seems it is the way to go until 6 in the morning. You know the party is over when there is people yelling and being thrown out and arguing outside for the entire neighbourhood to hear it  :-: Catmum was shut outside for hours at a time, more like 12-14 hours without being able to see her kittens when they went out. We had a not so nice talk to them and they agreed to install a cat flap (actually they agreed to let us do it and pay for it) so we could let the cats in and out when they werent home. We hoped this would work out, but did not take long until we understood that no cat dares to go inside a house that noisy. Not to worry, at least the catmum is smart, 5 in the morning (after a reasonably silent night) she stood outside our door with a kitten in her mouth  :innocent: and she walked all 4 of them over in to our guestroom (a room we were in the middle of redecorating so all that is put on hold and it is a mess but I'm afraid to move things around in case i stress her out).

Mum and kittens were perfectly fine, a nice quiet room all for themselves! After four days the neighbour knocks on the door, have I seen her cat?! I told her what happened and she said "oh ok" and then she said "well maybe bring them over later then?" and i said "dont you think she will bring them back here as she has already done it once to all the noise and partying?" she replies "well yes, my son does usually take the kittens and hide them for mum to find so maybe she got stressed" at this point i was furious but I think I just stood there with my mouth open not knowing what to say. So she said "well can i just leave her here then?" me: "..." then she walked off with one of her friends saying "I will think about it and try to sort something for tomorrow" (this is a week or so ago now) I woke my OH up and I don't think I have seen him more angry before in his life and the first thing he said was there is no way she and the kittens are ever going back to their place. How can you have a cat with a few days old kittens missing for four days without even noticing?! That is so beyond me, even if you don't care or want any hassle or .. well how can you not notice?

Some days after this another neighbour contact the bad neighbour, because they just got a kitten that is only 6 weeks old  :'( and he is full of flea and the catmum lives a few houses from here but they didnt want to let the kittens stay longer (whatever that meant) so they come over to our place and ask if we can look at the kitten. He is very tiny and very wet, because they read that they should give him a bath. Rush him into a warm room and try to dry him up and call the vets and get them in a taxi and hopefully everything went well.

If all this alone was not enough, we are looking after our friends cat that is on some wild life vacation with his wife for one month, so thats 8 cats including the tiny furballs that luckily does not do much but sleep and eat and crawl around at the moment. Was cuddling with cat mum a few minutes ago and noticed something that looked a lot like a flea on one of her kittens, so full panic call the vet24 that told us to use a spray, on both mum and kittens(and not to use frontline combo on mum and bath the kittens like the vets page said). Frontline spray, and on frontlines page it says not to use it on anything less than 8 weeks of age  :scared: So now I'm not sure what to do, and our own vet is closed on sundays and the shop that sells the spray is closed for another 2 1/2 hour and from their page it doesnt seem like they even have it.

We have also tried to call cats protection several times but always get an answer phone (I dont know if its onlyme but those answer phones makes me nervous so I always call back later instead of leaving a message) for advise and back up on rehoming the kittens if possible. We do have one other option but they also put FIV cats to sleep and I don't have 300£ (60 per cat) to get a crappy inhouse test that is not reliable just in case they might have it, you never know. We also called rspca for some advice (mainly about what we should do as the cat brought her kittens over and the owner might want them back) they told us to put mum and kittens outside and not let them in, and if mum didnt take them back into the other house to call them again and they would come get them. OH hang up on them. (and yes we did tell them they hadnt opened their eyes yet)

All I can comfort myself with right now is that all of them are warm and safe and got plenty of food and attention. Hopefully the kittens can wait 2-3 hours until their fleas are sorted without anything really bad happening. When the kittens are older we will get her and the kittens vaccinated, and when they can be rehomed we will spay the mum. Not really sure what we will do after that, we can of course keep her, and OH really dont want to split her and the neighbours male as they have grown up together. If we did take both of them and rehomed them we are afraid that they will get new cats and the problems might start all over again  :censored: It seems they got them as toys for their kid and not as pets or companions.

2 hours and a bit until the shop opens, if it wasnt for purrs and all the wonderful people here I would probably walk around in circles biting my nails  :innocent:

 


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