Dog 1, Cat 1, Lynx 0

[misslynx]

Round 1: Dog vs. MattressThere is a layer of eggshell foam over my mattress, which makes it a little softer than the somewhat ancient sofabed mattress would otherwise be. Normally this is under the bottom sheet, but when I am doing laundry, it is exposed because the bedding is off

Comments

[arielstarshadow]

I'd suggest getting another litter box as well - that way, each kitteh can have her own box. It may be that Claribell is becoming territorial, and doesn't like smelling Rosalind in the litter box.

[kettunainen]

iirc, there are already 2 boxes... :\

[arielstarshadow]

Hrmmmmmmm....then it might be good for her to completely wash out and disinfect both boxes (to remove all kitty scents) and start fresh. Maybe they will each choose a box, or maybe it will help with the "Hey, that's mine!!!" issue.

I think the covered litter box is also a good idea.

[kettunainen]

speaking to the idea of a covered litter box, I had three cats at one time, and one was particularly fond of perching atop the covered box once there was a cat inside and taking swipes at the cat as s/he was coming out of the box. I was quite unimpressed with this approach, while at the same time, admiring her genius. argh. darn cats! ;p

and knowing claribell, I wouldn't put it past her to do likewise with the perching and swiping.

the washing approach seems like it might be more effective.

[kettunainen]

did you know that you can take the cats to Dr. Toole to get their claws clipped? possible nominal fee, of course, but likely no fee, b/c he's who he is.

[misslynx]

Any time one of the animals has been in there for any other reason (checkups, vaccinations, random medical stuff), they've clipped their claws at the same time, for which I am generally profoundly grateful. But it seems kind of like overkill to make a vet appointment just for the purpose of claw-clipping...

Still, maybe I should ask about it. It's not like it would need to be Dr. Toole that does it - a lot of the time it's the vet techs, so maybe I could see if one of them had a spare few minutes so that I wouldn't be imposing on an already-overbusy vet.

[kettunainen]

Sarah takes Gris-Gris (their cat) to get her nails clipped at Village Gate; that's how I know about it and how I know he rarely charges for it.

But it seems kind of like overkill to make a vet appointment just for the purpose of claw-clipping...

The scratches in A's arm and wrist would suggest otherwise...

[misslynx]

The scratches in A's arm and wrist would suggest otherwise...

I didn't mean that I didn't think it was important - obviously it is, for Aidan's safety most of all, as well as for mine (and my furniture's - they're really doing an number on my desk chair). Both cats' claws need to get clipped one way or another - I was just thinking in terms of what would be the best way to get that done, and worry about adding to the workload of an already very busy and overworked vet. But I'll check there and also maybe at Boubah's, since I know they do pet grooming there.

[margrock]

Clipping claws without a brave soul to hold the cat while you snip? Wrap the cat in a towel, leaving only the end that needs doing exposed. You may have to try a couple of gos, one to do front paws one to do back, but it will be easier.

If you get a covered box, you may also want to put something on covered box. I had an issue years ago with Cat 1 on top of covered box waiting for Cat 2 to emerge and receive a beating. I keep it there because while we have more peace since moving, current Cat 1 & 2 have demonstrated they are not above defiling the sanctity of the litter box ;-)

[misslynx]

The towel technique was what I tried last night, but I couldn't keep her in the towel. Maybe I just didn't do it right, but she struggled and fought nonstop and each time I got her wrapped up and was just about to clip the first claw, she'd manage to get one other paw out and flail it about until she could sink her claws into something (generally, me) for leverage to launch her self away. I would lunge after her and try and tackle her again with the towel, but most the times after the first I couldn't even get it all the way around her before she'd manage to geet free again.

Maybe I need a larger and/or heavier towel, or a blanket or something.

Or a special cat straitjacket.

[margrock]

Gah, I should have guessed.

The cat straightjacket below looks marvelous, but I have enough trouble putting my demon cat into her carrier to even contemplate trying it ;-)

[indyamy]

I haven't used one, but I wonder if one of these Klaw Kontrol bags would help?

[misslynx]

Hey, talk about synchronicity - I made a tongue-in-cheek reference to cat straitjackets above, and that seems to be pretty much what this is! Although I'd be a little worried about the vents on the side - she could probably do a lot of clawing through those. Still, might be worth a try if I can't get anything else to work. Thanks for the link!

[oxystat]

Maybe ganging up? Call in reinforcements? I'd be willing to help you with yours if you help me with mine.

Yes, I know exactly how it goes... except mine seem to be a bit more careful about where they find their purchase while squirming.

But... are two to one odds enough? Classic military doctrine calls for three to one.

And... have you considered getting your cat drunk and/or sedated first? Any advantage one can get...

[misslynx]

Military strategy does indeed appear to be called for. Under ideal circumstances, I'd say five to one - one for each limb (maybe each armed with their own nail clippers) and one to hold the middle. Though I'm not sure how well all those people would fit around one cat.

When you are next in the area I may well take you up on this. Even two on one would be better odds than I have right now.

And... have you considered getting your cat drunk and/or sedated first? Any advantage one can get...

LOL - if I had a way, I'd be strongly tempted!

[oxystat]

I wonder how a cat would react to Bailey's?

Or Bailey's cut 50/50 with evaporated milk?

Does anyone know the effect of alcohol on cats?