About 1990 - '91 I was visiting my BIL in Houston. We all went shopping at a local Sam's Club, as they were a fairly new concept back then. Upon returning to the car in that huge parking lot, I heard a kitten mewing. I knew it was close by and it sounded very young. About 4 cars over I found a twin to Lucky, tucked up in the shade of a trucks tire, with it's tongue hanging out.

We took it to a vet, got the all clear (after spending about $50 bucks), and that little rascal rode the entire 800 + miles back home setting on my left shoulder. I named him Sam, moved him into the house, and he was my best buddy for the next 18 years.

Absolutely the best cat that's ever owned me. He continued to sit in my lap anytime I was on the couch, and he would curl up under my left arm every night when I went to bed.

I hope you and the wife enjoy a very good long time with Lucky. I'm guessing that he too will be eternally grateful for you guys sparing his life. Well done.

"That's exactly how Sandy lays in my lap--as she is now a fan of Westerns....... Sandy also likes to watch Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity on Fox--while I play computer games."

Carl I wanted to show you a pic of my Dink. As ti turns out I should have named him Sandy. when we rescued him he was only 4 weeks old and he and his siblings had been found in the walls of an abandoned house. He weighed only 0.9 lbs and was white as the driven snow.

He now weighes 13.5 lbs and looks like someone threw a bucket of sand on him.

1st pic at 5weeks old
2nd pic at 4 years old

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Real men love cats!

Here is my contribution..

We found Charley in a parking lot when he was about an hour old. He still had his umbilical cord attached and was very near death. My wife bottle fed him, even took him to work so she could feed him throughout the day. My Lab and Charley became the best of friends. Sadly they have both been gone about 5 years, but they lived a full and happy life.

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Holy-WOW-and that is one beauty of a kitty. Found in the walls of a house. Ive run into that as well when I used to work with my dad wo was a contractor till he passed away.

BTW--ive got something to send-so hope you and the wife are not diabetic. Just have a tough work schedule for awhile.

Sandy, is still very active-and often when ive napped long enough ( in her opinion) I find myself woke in pain from her nibbling on my hands and arms. I think ill soon invest in a nice pair of welders gloves.

I'm also happy to note that so far, her favorite Western TV series is Gunsmoke-because ive just started season 5-of 6,7. Sandy'll HAVE to get used to it as IM still in control of the tv.

Well....thought you guys might like an update on our latest outing!!

Lucky had his third visit to the Vet's today, and now has all of his kitty shots, and his second tape worm treatment. (Although I think the first one did the job). He weighed in at 4.8 pounds today, up from, I believe 3.6 pounds three weeks ago. He doesn't go back to the vet until March now.



Here he is just back from the vets in his brand new bed that the GF's sister sent him for Christmas!! He took to it right away. Although he sleeps on my bed most of the time if I'm sleeping. He is healthy and a real handful!!

His new favorite trick is to sneak up on a shelf about a foot and a half above my bed, and quietly wait until he thinks I'm asleep, and then spring into the middle of my chest!! Then he sits there and admires his work.

Well, he and Bella are closer than ever, and play together for hours. Glad to have the little guy here, especially when I'm at work they can keep each other company.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

H***ZZ you you, gf n lucky the cutie.

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susie

Thanks, susie....Merry Christmas to you n' drifter out there on the High Plains!!!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

BTW, Sandy-has long ears like Dink has. If work would stop calling me in on my days off? I could get my pics and vids out to Jenniffer and QBall for posting-as well as some other stuff.

I had a cat bed-but Sandy wasn't interested in it. Have a cat hotel-Sandy used it a few times-now not interested. I wake up in the mid of the night-to find her sleeping under my sheets snug against my back-that sneaky lil critter she is.

i wonder how you get a cat to use a cat bed?
when drifter is not doing important cat things, she lives on my couch.
either perched on the back or between my legs or in my spot when i'm in bed.
i'd like her to have a separate bed, but i don't think she will leave the couch.

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susie

Tie a 20# brick to it. Or place a huge pile of catnip or meat in it. It'll stay-at least long enough to feast. Sandy jumps in my bed before I can. It's funny that she reads what's on my mind-so I have to trick her often just to "get there" first-be it-bathroom to take a shower, the fridge, in my easy chair to watch Westerns-or to bed.

"BTW, Sandy-has long ears like Dink has."
Well the Dinker finally grew into his ears. It looks like they were fully grown when he was born. Either that or his head was too small?

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Real men love cats!

Ditto here-or at least when I took custody of her. Sandy hates it when I play with her ears, but doesn't mind it at all, when she plays with mine while I'm trying to sleep-like last night.

everyone seems to sleep with cats.
am i the only one in the whole world that doesn't allow cats on the bed?
drifter is a piggy. she plays in the dirt. she loves rolling in dirt
no way does she get on my bed.
it took only 3 corrections to train her.

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susie

Well, I'm not sure you can "make" a cat do anything...but just leave a cat bed in what seems like a spot that kitty would like, and they may use it whenever they feel like it. Lucky likes his bed, and I often see him curled up there, but he has other spots he likes as well.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

We had a cat bed for the longest time and none of the cats would use it. We finally donated it to the local Humane Society.
They all have their favorite napping spots.

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Keep on Chooglin'

All 3 of our cats are house cats. Their only interest in the great outdoors is watching it through a window.
Every now and then, during the summer, Natayo might stick his head out a door and sniff around.

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Keep on Chooglin'

I allow her on mine BUT--not under the sheets. However, she still (just like last night) STILL found her way under the sheets anyway and STILL, played (this time) with my legs and feet thus-keeping me awake yet once again. I did have my sheets tucked under both sides of my body to prevent that-but still????

I have a double-sized bed, but am thinking of buying queen or king-sized sheets so I can tuck them in tight-like my dad taught me from his Army Air Corps/U.S.A.F days. So tight you could bou n ce a quarted off the covers.

Your cats have good taste in tv!🤣

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I've been enjoying the cat adventures. We have 2 little papillon dogs who are very cat-like, but after the last of 4 elderly (22 year old) kitties passed, my husband begged to have his retirement without a litter box. He loved the cats but hated the box and we can't have an outdoor cat because of the coyotes and foxes here in CT. But I really do miss having kitties as I had them all my life. The Papillons (Jackson and Logan) are a wonderful breed of dog which are known to get along great with cats and they did... My husband got me Logan as a consolation for being out of the kitty owning crowd... But maybe another kitty will find us and he will give in... Logan, my grandson Parker and Jackson on the deck this past summer.

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I'm trying to teach her to sit still long enough to watch a full western like Shasta did. Sandy'll watch some--then will want to play for about 15 minutes-then settle down for a few more minutes. I'm getting worried that she may not "get" into--Gunsmoke--she only watches the intro where Dillon guns down Leo Gordon's character.

All three of them are cute as buttons. One of my neighbors has one that looks almost exactly like the one on the left.

red, if you want a kitty with no litter box, see if you can lure a feral cat.
my drifter lived her whole life avoiding coyotes just fine.
yeah, she now has a litter box, but in good weather, she sends half the day outside, so less cleaning of a litter box.
lots of people just build a cat house so the cats get tamed but never come in the house.
they are not the best pets. my drifter is still a wild animal, deep inside.

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susie

Redbert:

I'll get your husband will miss having a kitty as much as you do. I foresee a cat in your future!! I'm not crazy about litter box duty myself, but it is a small price to pay for the love and companionship of these special companions.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

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That's just somebody talkin.

Yes, when I was a kid, "The Untouchables", with Stack, and "M Squad" with Marvin, were two of my favorite TV shows. I have all episodes of both on DVD now, and enjoy watching some of them now and then. It sure was nice growing up in a period when you were able to admire movie and tv personalities.

This could've been my avatar:




But I must admit that these shows were not really historical very accurate. "Dragnet" was probably the most accurate show, based on Chief Parkers relationship with Jack Webb. I believe that Webb had access to LAPD files, and used real cases for his scripts, "changing the names to protect the innocent"!!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Carl,

She'll come around...after all, she is about the equivalent of a 10 or 11 year old kid right now, if that. I notice that our cats are pretty scatterbrained and skittish at times in their development, and then seem to begin to mature.

Glad she wasn't hurt during your recent burglary.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Heh heh, I hope so. Oh and, I awoke this morning to find a pair of my pants on my bed and I had not placed them there. That kitten doesn't know her own strength!

We have 3 that found a home with us , all under similar circumstances , You sir have a heart.

Today was a big day for Lucky!! Up early this morning and took a trip to the vets. Today he had his little operation, and got his rabies shot, and some other stuff that had to wait until he was 6 months old. He is home now, and recovering nicely. He just had a small amount to eat and a little water. He is still shrugging off the effects of the anesthesia.



I have mixed feelings about neutering cats, but I have seen the results of kitties left to breed indiscriminately. I also believe that neutered and spayed cats live longer, and stay healthier. But I had mixed feelings this morning on the trip to the vets!!

Lucky is now weighing in at 7.6 pounds. He is a handsome fellow if I do say so!! Bella has been very attentive to Lucky since he arrived home, following him around, but keeping a respectful distance. She is a good friend and play fellow for him, but seems to sense that he is recuperating now, and is staying close, but giving him room. Cats can be so smart when they want to be.

Anyway, I thought that all of Lucky's friends might like to know how he is doing....

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Thanks for the update. Our Natayo after getting his little operation.


By the way, you made my wife go aww.

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Keep on Chooglin'

Les,

That guy's gonna be a monster! If he's 7.6 lbs at 6 months...........

Distinguished looking fellow.

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Un-Reconstructed Southerner

So happy for Lucky that he's doing well. Bella is a good buddy for him. Feel real good about neutering kitties (except in areas like where suzieqz lives), homeless kitties are so plentiful and they live less than optimal lives. Even if your extra kitties would live in your house, better off to take homeless ones rather than make more. Neutered cats live longer calmer lives and females don't get ovarian and breast cancer generally. I've had many kitties who were inside and neutered that lived into late teens and mid twenties! I know, though, how you feel taking in a boy to be neutered. My husband said the same when he brought our little papillon Logan to be neutered a couple of years ago May Lucky have a wonderful long healthy life and befriend Bella for many years to come

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Thanks, guys, Lucky is just fine today, the vet did a great job. Lucky has recovered his appetite and is eating and playing just as if nothing happened.

Redbert, you are right about neutered cats, I'm up at the cabin with Bella and Lucky, but down at the main house, the GF and I have 4 neutered males, and 1 spayed female, and the males are all older. Oldest is about 15. They have all had great lives (after we got them, anyway). They are all rescues.

We also have one dog (who has literally helped raise many of the cats), and she gets along with all of the cats.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Thanks for the update. One beautiful boy.

You sir a nothing more than a soft marshmallow ! Brings back memories of our last cat we put down last year after 18 years. I was a garbageman and at our transfer station there was a race track (horses) next door and they had many feral cats, I used to feed them because I couldn't stand seeing them run around in the transfer station looking for food. I had this one young black kitten that would only come to me none of the other could get close to her, one day the dispatcher calls me on the radio telling me my cat was sick and looking for me, the next load I dumped I found her and she ran right up to me rubbed herself on my leg and fell over, I called the wife and we took her to our regular vet who also took possession of the towns animal control, I had no plans to keep her because we had 2 cats and a 150 pound Rotty already, the vet washed her 3 times in dawn and viola our black cat was actually white and grey !!
The vet said she wouldn't of made it 24 hours more, long story short we kept her and the vet bill was $400.00 bucks almost 20 years back and I had 7 kids to take care of. Well last year she went downhill pretty bad and we had to end her suffering as she had cancer. Enjoy your new family member and thank you !

Allthumbs, thanks for that story. Even though I'm afraid that it brought a tear to my eye. If I've learned one thing here on this forum, it's how big the hearts of all these tough old gun toting hombres can really be!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Thanks, Jim!! He is starting to look like a cat, and less like a kitten!! He and Bella are now all caught up on shots, operations, and worming...about time to start their flea treatments. Even though they don't go outside, I could always track in fleas and eggs from outside once the frosts are over.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

i always thot fleas were no problem til the weather warms.
not so?

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susie

Well, thats kind of what I meant by "once the frosts are over"... But I have seen fleas even before then, and I like to keep an eye on the kitties. I have a flea comb that I use periodically around this time of the year, just to make sure that the little fleas don't sneak in on me early. So if I start treatment just a little early it's kind of preventative medicine. Once they get ahead of you, it's hard to get rid of them.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Good idea! Somehow those little buggers get in and ridding the house of them is no fun!!

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They can come in on your clothes and live in the warmth of the house but you're not around too many other people so if you check the kitties with a flea comb and remove the hair from the comb. Put the hair on a wet paper towel and if the black specks turn reddish, that's flea dirt and you'd need to treat them all and the house. Be careful with small kittens in using flea preventive and flea killer. It's toxic to young kitties and you have to read the package carefully or ask your vet. This also applies to flea bath.

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I reminded susieqz to be careful with preventive... May be toxic to young kittens.

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Sandy is as well. I took him in to get two shots about 2 weeks ago- and was already 7 & 1/2 pounds. He was born in August and I got him in mid Oct.

I think the flea problem is going to be horrible this year. They were on Sandy somehow-even through the last arctic fronts we had. I don't know how he got them? he was never outside during or before that time.

My neighbor used to put a damper of some kind of had oil on a comb for her Yorkie-then comb his hair. It made any fleas stick to the comb-and not enough oil on the hair to hurt her dog when he licked it off-if he even noticed it? I'm thinking of doing that for Sandy.

Good advice, and it is important to remember that fleas are more than just parasites that weaken the host animal by sucking blood: they also spread disease and the eggs of other parasites as well. It is a constant battle with both our dog (who does go outside regularly) and our cats to keep parasites and disease at bay. Having a vet that you trust, and doing research on your own are important for pet owners. The battle is never over, even for strictly indoor pets.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

It shouldn't be a constant battle to keep your animals free of fleas.

My dogs are outside every day...walking through the woods, laying in tall grass, rolling around on the ground, running through tall weeds, etc., etc. I have never had a flea or tick problem with them.

I use Frontline on them once a month. The stuff you apply at their shoulders. Comes in a little tube, get it from my vet. It's a weight-based dosage.

Once you break the flea life-cycle, you shouldn't have to worry about it ever again. I mean, my dogs sleep in the bed with me...I'd know if we had a flea problem.

I remember back in the late eighties and nineties, people would use awful smelling flea sprays and powders. I did, too, because that was all that was available at the time. Some people would dip their dogs in flea stuff. Now I hate to think of the harm we did our dogs by putting those chemicals all over them. And they hated it...they'd go roll in the grass and dirt immediately afterwards trying to get the stuff off of themselves.

The Frontline stuff works. I'm never without it now. They make it for cats, too.

Watchdog, every time that I see those beautiful dogs, I just have to smile. They look so wise, and so happy, that they can't help but bring a smile to my face!!

Well, I do use Frontline on our pets, I also get it at the vets... and sometimes I do still find a flea or two. The vet says that they will die after biting the cat or dog that has been treated, and maybe I'm just overreacting, as they might just die and drop off, I guess. I still think that even with the Frontine, that the flea can still hop on the animal, but then die and drop off.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Check with the vet before putting on any oil on their coat especially with a petroleum base (like Vaseline and others you wouldn't expect to have chemicals like that) The tiny ones like Yorkies are very sensitive to small amounts of toxins. There are probably some beneficial products out there that can be used tho. If you want to truly get rid of fleas you must treat the house as well. Check with the vet how to do that. We haven't had fleas in years and there may be better products out there that I don't know about. They may be easier to handle than the"bombs" I used where you had to wash down all the kitchen counters and all you're dishes and floors, as well as removing any living animals especially birds from the house for hours. Then you have to wash or cover bedding. The thought of it keeps me using monthly flea preventive on my dogs. What a mess that was!

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