The Herd & Me: FAQ

I get a lot of questions about my cats and their care, myths and just about everything you can think of. I and my

memory are soon parted, but I'll answer some of those same questions, here (if I can remember them!). Keep in mind

that these are opinions of my own, mostly based on my own experiences with my cats & lots of reading. A few of these

Most of my cats were abused in some way or threatened with with abuse. I can't stand to see an animal suffer! I'd

rather they be a little crowded and well loved than to be hurting, unloved and alone.

Easy! Each cat is an individual. They all look different, have their own unique personalities, quirks and attitudes.

It can be, mostly at the time for their shots. Fortunately, I have two fine doctors who work with me to make sure the

Herd has the best of care! I'm grateful to both for their kindness and understanding toward my cats and financial

I never really thought of it in terms of money. I would say that it's really not that bad, all things considered. The

Herd is on a combination of Hills Prescription Diets. This is due to the problems Beau & Whiskers have had with

urinary ailments & kidney disease (See: The Older Generation). I found out that it's much cheaper to feed them

Hills than commercial food. I'd be paying twice as much if I were buying their food at the grocery store!

Are you saying that commercial foods aren't any good and what do you mean by it being cheaper to feed them

No. I'm not saying that commercial foods aren't good. As a matter of fact, the major commercial industries are

working diligently to continuously improve their food lines (kudos!). There are some really good foods on the racks

out there! The specialy brands are concentrated, though. They are more filling so the cats eat less of it & still get

their nutritional needs met! With a crew like mine, it makes more sense to buy Hills.

It's the preference of my cats! All of the specialty brands are excellent, though!

Actually, I'd have to say that I have a pretty good bunch of "kids." There is the occasional "hissy-spit" but rarely do

I have to deal with a knock-down-drag-out! Nine tenths of the time, they're cuddling & playing together! (At

I've been in houses where there was only one or two cats and you can smell them everywhere! How do you keep

I can only say, clean, clean, clean! I can't really say about other homes. If the litter box is cleaned and changed

Cats have scent glands in their paw pads, along the sides of their faces and their bodies. When they rub or scratch

on things, it's a way of marking territory with their own special scent. When they rub on you, it's a way of telling

you that they love you & are claiming you as theirs! It's a compliment to you from your cat! I hope you're not getting

No. I'm not at all superstitious! I know there are a lot of people who are, though. Let me put your mind at ease! I

may have a "bad luck" symbol but I also have 2 polydactyl kitties (See: Fresca & Chester)! Since polydactyl kitties

are supposed to be good luck, I've managed to cancel out the bad luck! :-) I never thought myself unlucky. I feel very

Interesting question! First, I don't consider a natural genetic mutation to be a deformity. To me, a deformity is a

characteristic that impedes a cat's health or ability to function normally. A polycat's extra toes are functional.

They use the extras on the front paws like we do our thumbs. In every other way, these cats are every bit as normal

as those born without extra toes. One more thing: Polys have been around for centuries! As far as I know, nobody

but God "created" them. It just happens the same way some people are born with extras! Fresca gave her own opinion

In my opinion, they're not! I catch my cats doing things that they know they're not supposed to do all of the time!

Look at the picture of Demi at Demoiselle to see what I mean. The expression on her face shows that she knew not

Take her to the vet! Whether this is normal for her or not, take her anyway! See Is Your Cat Sick? for details of the

Why does one cat freak out when I try to rub his belly and the other doesn't?

Well, for one thing, that kind of depends on the individual cats! For some, it tickles! For all, it's a cat's first instinct

to protect their bellies. That's the most vulnerable place on their bodies. Any cat who exposes their underside, whether

they like the rubs or not is telling you that they have complete trust in you! They don't "expose themselves" to just

Oh yeah!!! Having a cat is like having a four legged kid. They've also been found to have the emotional mentality

of a 3 year old child. Watch how your cat reacts to things and you'll see the parallel! :-) Sometimes they'll aggravate

you, test you but with the right combination of love and discipline, you'll have a good friend for years!

Discipline for my cats has mainly been a case of altering behaviors. For example: Getting them to use the

scratching post instead of the couch or spraying them with water to discourage them from getting into places

that could be dangerous for them. They do learn if you're patient with them! One more thing, follow up discipline

(at a reasonable time frame) with lots of loving, especially when they're behaving!!

Absolutely! I'd be all over kittens if they weren't! As much as I love kittens, there are way too many unwanted

kitties out there needing good homes. It would be totally irresponsible of me to let these guys breed!

I think that if you're looking for a pet, a shelter is always the very first place to go! So many loveable pets are thrown

away and most will be killed for the simple fact that nobody wanted them! Many of these precious lives came from

homes where they were once loved. It breaks my heart when I visit, to see those once cherished pets reaching out for

love they no longer receive! It hurts worse to know that I can't take every one of them home! I'd love to be able to give

My cat sleeps in some of the most uncomfortable looking positions! How can they do that?

Cats are natural contortionists. Their bodies are designed for the ultimate flexibility and resiliency. They can

move their bodies in two different directions at the same time! I think it's safe to say that your kitty is probably

Why so many links on abuse, spay/neuter, declawing, and keeping cats inside?

These are all issues that I feel very strongly about! Not everyone will agree with my views but keep in mind that my

thoughts are directed toward the health and welfare of all pets! In my opinion, these issues should not be blown off

but seriously considered as the best possible solution to the health and happiness of your pet(s)!

No, they don't. There are too many things that can happen to them.I know that this is another controversial subject.

I grew up with indoor/outdoor cats. They lived full, happy lives and died at advanced ages. However, Little Bit (See

them at In Loving Memory) was allowed to run outside & breed repeatedly. She contracted FeLV and had to be put

to sleep far too soon at the age of two. Her story is an excellent argument for keeping your cats inside and to have

It, to me is a deliberate mutilation of a cat. When there are so many other options available, I see no reason to

make my cats go through unneccesary surgery. Only one of my cats, Whiskers (See: The Older Generation), has

Absolutely! Even though they never go outside, there's always a chance that it could happen! Better to be safe

sorry! My house was burglarized one night while I was at work. When I came home, Sundown (See: Stars With Stripes)

was outside and spooked. It took awhile to calm him down enough so I could bring him back in!

I love animals, but my cats are my kids! Since I've become disabled, I don't see people as much as I once did. My

cats are a constant source of love and companionship. Without them, there'd be claw marks and toe holes in the

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Please do not take them without written permission from owner. Thanks! :-)

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