Well there's thing hole in my kittens head. Yeah a hole. Its really gross and oozie. Has anyone heard of anything like that? Its pretty deep. Kind looks like a volcano. Don't suggest vet cause that's out of the question. Me and my sister have been keeping some medicine on it. Its for horse cuts,but you know,that's all we have for now. And before that we tried putting some cream on it that my mom said would help but the momma cat kept licking it off. This probably sounds odd but its really got me worried about it. Can anyone help me figure out what it is?

Well, why exactly would a professional be out of the question?

Has the "hole" been there since birth, or did it just appear one day?
Does the kitten notice it, or act any different from the others? (assuming a multi-litter)
Does the mother cat lick the hole all the time, or just when you put the cream on it?

Also, how big is the hole? And what part of the kitten's head? May help determine what caused it.

Because my mom doesn't want to go to the vet because we're kind of tight on money right now.
Well one day it was just a bump sort of and I didn't really think much of it,and now its growed into this big nasty hole.
He doesn't noticce it at all,I don't think.
No,just when I put the cream on it.


I need to be more detailed when I ask questions lol

Oh and the hole is on-top of his head and its pretty big.
You could probably fit a bead in there.

Hmm... a bump growing into an open sore. Sounds to me like it could be a skin lesion. (sp?) Caused by maybe FLUID FILLED BUMPS (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1338&aid=206) or SKIN LUMPS (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1338&aid=204).

How is this hole situated? Is it like an open sore, or like part of the skin is completely missing? Is there still fur on it/directly around it?

Do you notice any other bumps or sores anywhere on the kitten's head/body?


EDIT: Beads come in many different shapes/sizes (looks in box and sees beads ranging from .3 cm to 2 cm), so that doesn't help much, lol. Could you give a rough estimate on diameter?

Its like an open sore.
Yeah he has fur but its around it,
No I think that's the only one.
We had a cat last year that had something like it on its neck and my dad put some kind of medicin on it and it ended-up dying. So I'm trying to be real careful cause its just a kitten.
Its about a month old.
And litteraly,if you sit there and watch it it will bubble like puss and ooze.. sounds gross but its true.

Hi again, taylor2012!

I have to agree very much with the things that HelpinHere says, particularly in Post #2 above. I would have the same questions.

Have you tried asking a neighbor or a friend to help you out with paying for a visit to the vet? When I took in a cat years ago that was being abused by some really nasty neighbor boys, one of my neighbors "jumped" in to pay for the cat to have shots and also be neutered because I couldn't afford, at the time, to have those things done.

Thanks!

I'll see if my mom would consider that :)
Well we are having to take one of our horses to the vet pretty soon (and you know that's a lot of money) so yeah..
Oh and thanks for reading my questions and responding! :D

(sorry, but your description made me laugh)
It does sound gross!

Check those links I gave you. They have descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis (diagnosi plural?), AND treatment.

That is a reliable site (as far as my using it goes) and they could help you if it is one of those things. Or, if not, you could look around on that site and maybe find the right thing for yourself.

I'm sorry for the death of your other cat.


EDIT: Clough: Thanks for the greenie! I appreciate the two exclaimation points! XP

Thanks :)
Oh and I know it sounded funny lol
I hear you could put pics on here? But how?
If I knew how I would put a pic of it on here and show you. Its kind of hard to explain.

I looked at those links and I don't think it's the first one but the second one "SKIN LUMPS" wow I think it's that. The pic on there doesn't look like it though cause its just one huge bump. But the symptomes and other things are just like it.
Thank you for helping me :D

Okay, let me put together how you can post images here. Do you have a digital camera, taylor2012?

I usually use my phone but I can upload pics from it.

Well, try to upload one and make it an attachment.

The pic on that site es of the skin lumps BEFORE it becomes a lesion. It is also a sample image, and, just like with people, it can appear many different ways.

If you could give a pic, it would really help.

I'll try to get a pic on here as soon as I can.
I can right now though cause its dark outside and everyone in my house is asleep lol
But when its day light I will.
Thank you :D

If you click on Answer this Question, you'll get more options as far as posting anything.

What you do is click on the little paper clip figure that you'll see to upload any images.

If the images are on your cell phone, then I would suggest sending them to yourself in an email and then saving them to your desktop or a folder on your computer. From any place that you store them on your computer, you'll be able to upload them to this site.

You might want to re-size them before uploading them, though. If you need help with re-sizing them, I'll be glad to help you with learning how to do that.

Thanks!

Sorry you have to wait until sunrise to get a pic posted. Hope it doesn't effect your cat to wait until then.

If it IS that second one I linked to, hope that that page can help you.
If not, I hope uploading a pic here we can help you help the cat. Good Luck, and get us that image asap!

I am going to play devils advocate here and say why were you breeding your cat if you have no money.

Breeding a litter of any animals can be very costly, there can be complications with the pregnancy, birth and as you have discovered, with the kittens.

I know you have no money now but if you cannot self-treat with HelpinHere's advice then you need to relinquish the kitten to a shelter where it can receive treatment.

The mother cat will need to be spayed so start saving.

@shaz: True, however, I know it isn't always that way. Some mother cats "adopt" owners after having kittens.
My cat, Amy, is a perfect example. She found us after getting pregnant. Then, two days after the kittens were born, she brought them to our patio, and left them there (to go cat around more? Pun intended). We caught her the next day, took her to get spayed, and eventually gave the kittens for adoption.
All five were successfully adopted! ^_^

Anyway, just posting a story to show how it could possibly not be the OP's fault. However... this is not what happens most of the time, and I agree that you need to have any cats spayed/neutered if they parent kittens, and you can't afford it.

Well I couldn't help that she was pregnant,she just showed up one day like that :P and I don't have the heart to give them away,but that's just me lol
Anyway,I took more then one so you could see what I mean.
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22079

22080

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Sorry they are so big.
Im sure you don't want that much nastyness in your face lol

E-Gad! That's horrible! The hole is much larger than I pictured it. (Or, the kitten is much smaller, xD)
Poor Kitteh... =[

I've never seen anything like that...
However, I've never seen skin lumps, either. On peteducation.com, the said that it can develop into skin leisons...
Have you tried following the treatment on that site?
Unfortunately, I don't know what to tell you.
Unless you get someone on here that recognizes it (easier with pics) or take it to a vet... I just don't know...

I'm VERY sorry I couldn't be more help, and wish you and your cat luck.

Aw, what a hole! Sorry for your cat taylor2012... :( that really seems huge! I wish you good luck with that.

I know,it huge!
And it just makes me worried and I don't know what to do about it.
Ive been looking on that website and I still am,to see what I can do about it.

That cat needs to get to a vet.
Either scounge together the money to do it, or surrender your kitten to a humane society so it can get treated. This isn't fair to the kitten.
Please stop letting your cats have kittens. Pets are a privilege, not a right.

I know.
But I'm doing all I can.
Not all of my cats are like this so... I don't want to give them all up.
We don't have a human society around here,and if we did I wouldn't give him up.
I'm doing all I can to help it.

I'm not trying to sound harsh, but you are dealing with a life and if you cannot provide proper care, then you should find someone who can.

Sariss, I had to spread the rep around. Sariss is correct. This cat needs veterinary care, pronto. You cannot fix this cat on your own. Please don't allow him to perish in this manner... get him to the vet.

Hi again, taylor2012!

Please remember what I stated in post #7 about the possibilities of getting someone else to pay for a visit to the vet. Okay? It is definitely worth a try!

Thanks!

That cat needs to get to a vet.
Either scounge together the money to do it, or surrender your kitten to a humane society so it can get treated. This isn't fair to the kitten.
Please stop letting your cats have kittens. Pets are a privilege, not a right.


Exactly!
That hole in horrendous.

I could understand if it was just a skin condition but that is far beyond anything you can do from home.

If you choose not to treat the kitten be careful the SPCA don't catch you, you would be done for animal cruelty for not getting it treated.

I'm sorry for being so blunt/harsh but you need a wake up call.

If you had a hole like that in your head you would go to the doctor immediately!

You've made an excellent point there, shazamataz! I hope that it gets taken to heart by taylor2012!

Thanks!

Thank you Clough.
I don't like being mean but sometimes you just need to give people a shove in the right direction.

Helpinhere's advice was great, but after seeing the photos a vet or shelter is the only option.

I have to agree with you there, shazamataz! That "hole" thing looks really serious! I've had cats virtually all of my life and have never seen that kind of thing in any one of them.

Thanks!

My mom won't take him :(
Im trying to get her to but she won't,we are already taking our horse to the vet and that's a lot of money.
And there's no SPCA or shelter around here..
Im stuck.

Could you tell us where you live? (if you don't mind)

We might be able to track down a place that can help you.

This cat is doomed. Taylor, please let us know where you live.

Taylor sent me a PM and I provided him with a list of Shelters in his state.

I hope one of them is close enough to him.

Taylor sent me a PM and I provided him with a list of Shelters in his state.

I hope one of them is close enough to him.


Had to spread the rep, but good work, shazamataz!

Thanks,some of those are close so ill see what I can do
Oh and I'm a her.. not a him lol just thought id say lol

Thanks,some of those are close so ill see what i can do
oh and im a her..not a him lol just thought id say lol

Good... please keep us posted, O.K?

You know... that hole looks like a bot-fly larvae hole. I wonder if the larva died in your cat and caused an infection.

I was thinking about those today, but the hole seems rather large. o_O

Two more hole came up! Ok,I've decided that I'm going to take him to the nerest SPCA around here cause I just can't take that no more.. I'll get someone to take me.. man,I just can't believe this! You can see his skull!!
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I'm amazed that this kitten is still alive.

Please take him asap. Let us know how it goes.

Poor little one.

Hey everyone!!
We took him to the vet today they said it was a type of fly larva called a "Wolf" and man it was huge!!
They pulled it out and gave us some medicine to give him.
They said that in a few days he will look be to normal and all his fur will grow back :D
YaY!!

I've being following this thread,glad to hear the kitten will be OK...

I have never seen anything like that!
You live and learn.

Hey everyone!!!!!!!
We took him to the vet today they said it was a type of fly larva called a "Wolf" and man it was huge!!!
They pulled it out and gave us some medicine to give him.
They said that in a few days he will look be to normal and all his fur will grow back :D
YaY!!!

Oh my gosh, I'm so glad you got him in! Poor little guy!

Hey everyone!!!!!!!
We took him to the vet today they said it was a type of fly larva called a "Wolf" and man it was huge!!!
They pulled it out and gave us some medicine to give him.
They said that in a few days he will look be to normal and all his fur will grow back :D
YaY!!!

I'm so happy that your little kitten is OK now.
I was so freaked out at the size of the holes.:eek:

Great news.

I've heart of bot flies etc. but never a wolf fly. Wow.

We'd love pictures as he recovers. Of course hugs sent his way too. I'm glad he'll be okay.

I've also been following this and hopeing for this baby. I am so glad he got a diagnosis and medication! I'm sorry I couldn't add any advise, but I am glad to hear he is on his way to recovering. Keep us posted!

Also, I've heard of a wolf spider but not a wolf fly. And I couldn't find anything on the net. Could you have mis understood? Just curious :)

Jennie, just Google Wolf fly larvae.

This is what I found;

Wolf Worm is a nick name for the larvae of a cuterebra fly, also known as Bot Fly. It is most commonly seen as Warbles in wild rabbits and squirrels, but has also been found on the domestic cat.

Oooh I only googled wolf fly and only got pictures of wolfs and flys separately. Thanks altenweg

Jennie, just google Wolf fly larvae.

This is what I found;

Wolf Worm is a nick name for the larvae of a cuterebra fly, also known as Bot Fly. It is most commonly seen as Warbles in wild rabbits and squirrels, but has also been found on the domestic cat.


Dudes! I was so right!!

First, big sigh of releif for the kitten.
I know he will be okay. I don't know about everyone else, but I was really stressing over that.

Second, yes, I would like to thank you for finally taking it in. Just like others have said, I would like to be kept informed on it's recovery.

Third, congrats on getting it right, Ren.

Lol, sorry my "help" was so incorrect, but I'm just glad that whatever it was, it has been treated and now the kitten will live a long and happy life. I guess I didn't help much, but I'm just glad that everyone who posted here helped to convince you to take it in.

Keep us posted! :)

:eek: freaky those three holes! I was wondering too if that was the job of some larva. That's because I once saw a documentary about larvae and worms, a woman once had a larva in her head! It had spikes on it and caused her a lot of headache.

The documentary also mentioned worms that got through the feet of people who lived in Africa (causing lots of trouble), a man who ate an egg of larva to lose weight (the larva would eat the inner walls of his intestines, then get flushed after some weeks :eek:) and it worked! Some larvae eat the infected parts of a wound and eases healing of that wound.

Sorry for all this guys but since we were talking of larvae...

Glad that your cat will be better now. Next time, go straight to the vet, before it goes to this extent Taylor.

Oh wow, great news I'm glad you managed to get hm to a vet!

Get well soon kitty :)

Yes they said it was a Wolf larva.. when they took it out of him they put it in a little plastic bag for me to take home and watch it die because he cause my kitty so much pain haha
Anyway,he's been really jumpy latly and soooo sweet.. but when he had that he would just sleep all day and pretty much act like he was dead.
But now he's really different,but the hole looks healthier. Its not gross and got stuff coming out of it.. but man,he has to take a lot of medicin a day lol.
Hes such a sweety :)
His name is Hanley... my sister name him after her favorite band "Framing Hanley" lol
Thank You for all your help!
And ill keep you posted on how he's doing :D

Ooh! That's GREAT to know!

Hmm... I'm interested in seeing a pic of that dead little bugger! >: ) :D

Ya, do you have a picture?

Hehehehe >: )

(@Altenweg & joyluo)

Lol no I didn't get to take a pic of it,it freaked my mom out so she threw it away lol

This isn't THE one but I looked it up and found this pic that looked like it
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Gross right? That was about the same size too
IN MY KITTENS HEAD!!
:(

Ewww... poor kitteh!

Lol, glad it's getting better now... and sorry your mom threw it out, it'd been a great souvenir!

Remind me never to get one of those things stuck in my head... EATIN' MAI BRAIN!

Remind me never to get one of those things stuck in my head....EATIN' MAI BRAIN!

Remember, never get one of those things stuck in your head!

Unless... in humans... they work like those worms from Futurama... xD

Unless... in humans... they work like those worms from Futurama.... xD

Brain slugs hehehe I want one, not on my head, but as a pet :D

That's just nasty. I hope you stomped on it before mom threw it out.

Yuck.

Poor kitty.

How is he doing by the way?

Brain slugs hehehe I want one, not on my head, but as a pet :D

Actually... I was referring to THESE WORMS (http://futurama.wikia.com/wiki/Worms)... but yeah! XD

Actually... I was refering to THESE WORMS (http://futurama.wikia.com/wiki/Worms)... but yeah! xD

Ooooooh now, I get you, well those would be good to :D
Except I would actually want those worms, makes you smarts a lot better :p

I was just following this post and I'm glad the kitty is OK! I have two of my own. I'm glad they are house cats! I wouldn't know what too do if anything like this happened to them. Those pictures are giving me goose bumps!! I would be freaking out if I came face-to-face with something like that!! I'm just glad you took him to the vet! :D that picture of the worm reminds me of those worm things from star trek.

Can we get an updated pic of ketty :) I'm interested toknow how he is doing

Ya how's the kitty doing?

Joy

Hey everyone,I've lost him :'(
We can't find him and 2 other of our kittens
Please please pray that we find them.. please please
Its got me and my sisters really really worried
:'( we've searched everywhere you could think of..
Just please please pray that we find him... thanks
-Taylor

Aww... I'm really sorry to hear...

When did you get them? Was the mother wild or domesticated? If the mother was wild, she may have taken them herself. Do you still see her? Try finding out where she goes... though cats are hard to follow, :p

I'm really sorry, and hope you find them.

Aww, I hope you find your little kitties.

Good Luck!:)

Joy

Don't worry you'll find them. Here's a hug for you.
Good luck!

Aww... I'm really sorry to hear...

When did you get them? Was the mother wild or domesticated? If the mother was wild, she may have taken them herself. Do you still see her? Try finding out where she goes... though cats are hard to follow, :p

I'm really sorry, and hope you find them.

Very true.

Did you find the kittens on the street and take them in or did you buy them from somewhere?

Did you have them microchipped?
Did they have collars with tags?

I hope you find them soon!

No the mom cat is one of mine.. and I've tried to follow her but she allways stays on the porch.
ANd the kittens are old enough to wonder around on their own... so I just can't find them.
And its been a whole day now and we still can't find them.
And Hanley needs his medicine! He has to have it 3 times a day!

No the mom cat is one of mine..and ive tryed to follow her but she allways stays on the porch.
ANd the kittens are old enough to wonder around on their own...so i just can't find them.
And its been a whole day now and we still can't find them.
And Hanley needs his medicine!! He has to have it 3 times a day!!

I'm so sorry that you didn't find them yet.:(
I wish you the best of luck.

Good Luck!:)

Joy

Gulp, well, have you heard any mewing coming from anywhere? Are there any small holes around the kittens could have fallen down? Was there a door/window left open when they disappeared?

I'm really sorry, and as I do not personally know your situation, I'm sorry I can't be much help... :(

No the mom cat is one of mine..and ive tryed to follow her but she allways stays on the porch.
ANd the kittens are old enough to wonder around on their own...so i just can't find them.
And its been a whole day now and we still can't find them.
And Hanley needs his medicine!! He has to have it 3 times a day!!

What kind of medicine does Hanely need?

Do you let the kittens wander around outside?

Hey I found them last night :D
I was so happy I almost cried lol
I made them all a nice bed and pampered them in my bathroom and kept them there for the night lol
Yay!

hey i found them last night :D
i was so happy i almost cried lol
i made them all a nice bed and pampered them in my bathroom and kept them there for the night lol
yay!


Taylor, don't let them out again... at least until Hanley is through with his medication. Can you post a pic of him?

They're outside cats though.
My mom doesn't want house cats :P
OK I will try to get a pic

So... where were they hiding?

And glad you found them, give that kitty his meds! :D

Yes, pic please!

I don't know where they were lol
Me and my mom searched out whole 18 acrs and never foung them.. then later they just showed up on the porch lol

Well, that's a cat for you! Lol, never can predict what they will do next! :p

It sounds to me like he got into a fight with maybe another cat and caught its claw in her head.
My cats have had that before. I dabbed peroxide on it and treated it like any sore.

?
We've already figured out what it was lol

It sounds to me like he got into a fight with maybe another cat and caught its claw in her head.
My cats have had that before. I dabbed peroxide on it and treated it like any sore.

I know you usually do, but this time you need to go back and read... we've already solved the whole original problem, lol

Glad you found them taylor.

Maybe you can convince your mum to have inside cats?
I know you don't want to hear it but pets should be exactly that... pets.

Not something you have so you can say "I have a cat"
Pets are for companionship and should be inside.

Maybe you can convince your mum to have inside cats?
I know you don't want to hear it but pets should be exactly that.... pets.

Not something you have so you can say "I have a cat"
Pets are for companionship and should be inside.

Don't completely agree.
I say convince her to let them be inside until they are older, and can handle themselves outside. I feel that pets, cats especially, should be indoor/outdoor, it seems to make them happier.

Just my opinion.

Cats are either indoor or outdoor most often.
Once a cat gets outdoors it is often hard to keep a cat indoors if it is an outdoor cat.
If they prefer the outdoor and you keep them in they can cry so bad you can't stand it.
Some areas where I lived wanted to make a leash law for cats and they couldn't do it because cats are classified as predatory animals.

There is a saying you don't own the cat the cat owns you

Yeah when I usaully put them inside they go to the door and want out again.
Oh and,I can't find them again. :P
I'm hoping they will show up again... :(

LOL, your cats are giving you a hard time, huh? :) Wish you best of luck to find them again!

When I was 4 I had a cat that disappeared all the time for months. I remember she came back home to have her babies and I named her mamma cat.
Come to think of it I still name most all my cats mamma or babygirl or babykitty.

Hey, Taylor, I was just reading your kittie story... wow! When I first started reading, I did think of some kind of worm or grub... our cows would get these larvae in their skin and the holes they made were pretty bad. The holes looked just like your poor kitties holes.

Did your vet tell you how to keep the cats safe from this? They're so young right now, I'm thinking there's probably no spray or dip that is OK for them. But when they get older, you could shampoo them or spray them with a pesticide that is OK for cats. Right now, all I can think of that you could do is brush them a lot, which would take away at least most of any eggs that have clung on. You could bathe them in a baby shampoo (so it doesn't hurt their eyes) too, but make sure they don't get too cold!

I know exactly how you feel, too. I grew up on a farm and we had barn cats, there was no way my mom would've taken those cats to a vet! We would just be able to have the cows and horses looked at by the vet, not the cats and dogs. And she didn't want the cats inside either. They were true outdoor cats too, I would bring one in once in a while just to pet it but it wasn't happy to be inside really. The cats were very good hunters, that's what they were meant for, they kept the mice and rats out of the feed. If those cats weren't there, the mice and rats would've taken over, and probably would've been in our house too! But the cats weren't looked at as pets, I know some people might not understand this... We didn't buy them or adopt them, they just show up. People would often dump the cats off at our farm too. So it's not like the typical ownership that most people feel for a cat, you know?

OK, I hope the vet told you how to keep the fly larvae out of the cats!

If you pet the kittens a lot, feel their skin for lumps because that might signal another larvae. There is a trick you can do if you suspect another larvae-put vaseline over the lump, and it will kill the larvae (it suffocates them), BUT... you still have to get the larvae out! Sometimes you can pop it out yourself, call your vet and ask if it's OK to try to get it out yourself first though! I'm definitely not a vet! But I was in your situation, and I know that if there is a "next time" your mom might not be willing to take the cat to the vet yet again! I know my mom wouldn't. Anyway, I've popped the larvae out of some animals before hundreds of times. It's like popping a HUGE pimple, and this nasty worm creature pops out, along with this goo that looks like snot! Any time I did it, the animal healed very fast, I just gave it a quick spray with an antibiotic areosol one time after popping it. So it's probably fine, but to be sure, call the vet first if you find another one. He can tell you for sure to either try to do it or not.



Good luck with the kitties!

Don't completely agree.
I say convince her to let them be inside until they are older, and can handle themselves outside. I feel that pets, cats especially, should be indoor/outdoor, it seems to make them happier.

Just my opinion.

No problem, I just prefer inside animals, others are fine having them outside.
It's just personal preference, especially with cats, I have never owned them (allergic) but the strays that we feed I feel so sorry for and just want them to live inside and be all warm and toasty :)

No problem, I just prefer inside animals, others are fine having them outside.
It's just personal preference, especially with cats, I have never owned them (allergic) but the strays that we feed I feel so sorry for and just want them to live inside and be all warm and toasty :)

Yep, prefrences and opinions.
True, I would prefer if my cats would obey, but they aren't dogs... lol.
I tried keeping one of my cats inside once, she just had kittens, and it was winter so they couldn't go outside yet, and she fought me to get outside. I guess some cats just need to spread their wings... err... claws. :)

Quite a few people said: bath with warm salt water a coupla time a day till all pus gone... usually leaves a hole where its been but will heal... when it looks clean .leave it alone to heal :thumbs: Don't use TCP !

Also, it is an abcess

also, it is an abcess

Abi, are you referring to the original problem?
It has already been solved. You need to go back and read a thread before you post, please, so you don't get confused/confuse others. :)

In case you are wondering, it wasn't an abcess. He took it to the vet, and determined it was a larvae in the kitten's head. Got it removed and now has medicine for it. It's making a good recovery!
...
Or, so I hear. We still need those pictures, taylor! :rolleyes::mad::D

Hey, Taylor, I was just reading your kittie story.....wow!! When I first started reading, I did think of some kind of worm or grub....our cows would get these larvae in their skin and the holes they made were pretty bad. The holes looked just like your poor kitties holes.

Did your vet tell you how to keep the cats safe from this? They're so young right now, I'm thinking there's probably no spray or dip that is OK for them. But when they get older, you could shampoo them or spray them with a pesticide that is OK for cats. Right now, all I can think of that you could do is brush them a lot, which would take away at least most of any eggs that have clung on. You could bathe them in a baby shampoo (so it doesn't hurt their eyes) too, but make sure they don't get too cold!!

I know exactly how you feel, too. I grew up on a farm and we had barn cats, there was no way my mom would've taken those cats to a vet!! We would just be able to have the cows and horses looked at by the vet, not the cats and dogs. And she didn't want the cats inside either. They were true outdoor cats too, I would bring one in once in a while just to pet it but it wasn't happy to be inside really. The cats were very good hunters, that's what they were meant for, they kept the mice and rats out of the feed. If those cats weren't there, the mice and rats would've taken over, and probably would've been in our house too!! But the cats weren't looked at as pets, I know some people might not understand this.....We didn't buy them or adopt them, they just show up. People would often dump the cats off at our farm too. So it's not like the typical ownership that most people feel for a cat, ya know?

OK, I hope the vet told you how to keep the fly larvae out of the cats!!

If you pet the kittens a lot, feel their skin for lumps because that might signal another larvae. There is a trick you can do if you suspect another larvae-put vaseline over the lump, and it will kill the larvae (it suffocates them), BUT....you still have to get the larvae out!! Sometimes you can pop it out yourself, call your vet and ask if it's OK to try to get it out yourself first though!! I'm definitely not a vet!! But I was in your situation, and I know that if there is a "next time" your mom might not be willing to take the cat to the vet yet again!! I know my mom wouldn't. Anyway, I've popped the larvae out of some animals before hundreds of times. It's like popping a HUGE pimple, and this nasty worm creature pops out, along with this goo that looks like snot!! Any time I did it, the animal healed very fast, I just gave it a quick spray with an antibiotic areosol one time after popping it. So it's probably fine, but to be sure, call the vet first if you find another one. He can tell you for sure to either try to do it or not.



Good luck with the kitties!!

Exactly! I live on a farm and they're just outside cats.. not indoor cats.. my mom would kill me lol

Hanley <3

22732


Belly rub lol
22733

Do you see any movement within the sore? Clean sore with hydrogen peroxide solution and if you see a milky white color/use tweeters and remove the parasitric worm.

Ahh! At last! The holes seems to be 'closing' slowly. For how much time did you say you have to give it meds?

Do you see any movement within the sore? Clean sore with hydrogen peroxide solution and if you see a milky white color/use tweeters and remove the parasitric worm.

OK I don't want to be mean or anything but if your going to post on this.. atleast read to other comments on it.. we've already figured out the problem,and I keep him on medicine

Ahh! At last! The holes seems to be 'closing' slowly. For how much time did you say you have to give it meds?

3 times a day.
I have to put a drop of something on his head and give him someother medicine thorugh the mouth..
He doesn't like that very well lol

Ow, I mean until when you have to give it the meds? Two months? Or until the 'hole' 'closes' completely?

I think its just till the hole closes completely
The vet said that he's going to have a funny shaped head though lol

Oh, lol! Yes, if his skull was eaten like that... well, try keeping an eye on him. It would not be pleasant if he gets another worm... :eek:

I'm glad the hole is closing up a bit.

Good Luck!:)

Joy

Thanks :)
He's the runt of the litter.. hes a tiny little fighter lol

Thanks :)
hes the runt of the litter..hes a tiny little fighter lol

He does look a little small.

Joy

Yeah the other 4 are like 3 times his size

Oh my gosh, he's a cutie! I love when kittens haven't grown into their ears yet... :p

So true ren! My little baby kitten was the runt too and his tiny little head looks so cute with the giant triangle ears poking up :P and the long skinny spiky tail hehe

Aww... glad to see he's doing better! The pics are a little dark, but can still see it good enough! He looks like a happy little mouse hunter! :D

It's a terrible thing to even think about but I live in a rural area - I almost never see a dog hit by a car but I've certainly seen a LOT of cats.

I would not allow my cat outdoors. The World can be a dangerous place.

Surly there is a PDSA (peoples dispencery for sick animals) local to you. If your in receipt of benefits or your parents are then there should be no problem getting help for this kitten. Ask your local vet if you can pay it in instalments.
Or the cats protection should be able to offer some advice.
I have to say though if you can't afford the vet bills why did your mom allow the cat to become pregnant she should have had her done. Again cats protection might be able to help with that. I don't mean to moan but pet owners need to be more responsible;)

surly there is a PDSA (peoples dispencery for sick animals) local to you. if your in receipt of benefits or your parents are then there should be no problem getting help for this kitten. ask your local vet if you can pay it in instalments.
or the cats protection should be able to offer some advice.
i have to say tho if you can't afford the vet bills why did your mom allow the cat to become pregnant she should have had her done. again cats protection might be able to help with that. i dont mean to moan but pet owners need to be more responsible;)

The problem has been solved and he did get his mom to take the cat to the vet. I forget what page it was on but there were even photos of the little culprit causing all the damage.

I do agree with you though about pet owners needing to be more responsible. People should not be breeding cats or buying kittens when they don't plan on taking care of them.

OK again... I AM A SHE!! Lol NOT a HE

And I don't want to be mean but I keep saying this... look there barn cats.. I live on a farm and all our money goes to our livestock and horses and stuff.. there really just at my house to keep the mice away.. I mean don't get me wrong I do love my cats and I give them all I can,but look,my parents aren't going to pay for them to get fixed so that they can't have anymore... theyre not house cats or anything..
So please stop saying that I need to get them fixed... thats just not going to be able to happen!!

I am going to keep on trying whether you like it or not :p lol

I appologise for calling you a 'he' though! :)

I know it's not going to work but it will make me feel better so bear with me...

Cats are domesticated animals, meaning they have become dependent on humans, now I know most cats are quite capable of fending for themselves and rarely need human interaction but it shouldn't be that way.
It is my belief that ANY breeding should be done to make that particular breed of cat/dog/rabbit/whatver better, to improve the standard and health of the animal for the next generation.

If your family just wants something to keep the mice away go out and buy a supply of mouse traps.

You don't have to feed them, take them to the vet or look after them.

You just have to empty them every few days.

I am going to keep on trying whether you like it or not :p lol

I appologise for calling you a 'he' though! :)

I know it's not going to work but it will make me feel better so bear with me...

Cats are domesticated animals, meaning they have become dependant on humans, now I know most cats are quite capable of fending for themselves and rarely need human interaction but it shouldn't be that way.
It is my belief that ANY breeding should be done to make that particular breed of cat/dog/rabbit/whatver better, to improve the standard and health of the animal for the next generation.

If your family just wants something to keep the mice away go out and buy a supply of mouse traps.

You don't have to feed them, take them to the vet or look after them.

You just have to empty them every few days.

Sorry shaz, but I'm going to have to disagree with you here.

I've lived on a farm, I know how it is.
You don't get the cats. The cats follow the mice. They show up, as a means of surviving, following their food who are drawn to the barn.
Then, in exchange for reducing the mice population, they get a nice barn to sleep in, usually kids who will play with them, and food if they can't get enough mice.

Although the cats do deserve some veteraniary care, living this lifestyle, for a cat, is a much better alternative to being kicked out for a few mousetraps... that don't even work as well.

Sorry shaz, but I'm going to have to disagree with you here.

I've lived on a farm, I know how it is.
You don't get the cats. The cats follow the mice. They show up, as a means of surviving, following their food who are drawn to the barn.
Then, in exchange for reducing the mice population, they get a nice barn to sleep in, usually kids who will play with them, and food if they can't get enough mice.

Although the cats do deserve some veteraniary care, living this lifestyle, for a cat, is a much better alternative to being kicked out for a few mousetraps... that don't even work as well.

Ahhh but if everyone had house cats, or at least cats that were spayed/neutered and in loving homes they would return to and be fed, wouldn't that stop the problem of "cats showing up on farms" ;)

Sorry shaz, but I'm going to have to disagree with you here.

I've lived on a farm, I know how it is.
You don't get the cats. The cats follow the mice. They show up, as a means of surviving, following their food who are drawn to the barn.
Then, in exchange for reducing the mice population, they get a nice barn to sleep in, usually kids who will play with them, and food if they can't get enough mice.

Although the cats do deserve some veteraniary care, living this lifestyle, for a cat, is a much better alternative to being kicked out for a few mousetraps... that don't even work as well.

Thank you :)

Shaz... you don't live a farm (I suppose)
.. so please,its different.. yes I did take my cat to the vet after my mom seen what was wrong with it,so we do provide them with vet care,and we do feed them and everything.. soooooo,I don't really see a problem with them being barn cats lol

I know you took your cat to the vet taylor, I wasn't saying otherwise, it was just a general discussion about cats on farms.

2 against one so I will leave it be, don't want it to turn into a kitty war :p

Nobody is saying kick the cats out in favor of mousetraps. What IS being said is to stop the breeding - I don't see that these cats have wonderful lives.

And, Taylor, I don't want to be "mean" either but when you post a question you have to be prepared for various opinions and answers and you should not be attempting to tell people how your questions should be answered.

I understand barn cats vs house cats - I also understand over population and suffering. Maybe your cats are happy, content, well taken care of. I don't know that. I just know that over population leads to unhappy situations.

Thanks Judy, that's what I was trying to say, you just worded it a lot better ;)

...
If their going to post their opions (dont don't mind you saying them) them I'm going to say mine too.
I'm not argueing or anything... im just saying

Everyone has different opinions, that what makes this site great.

As long as everyone can discuss them and give their reasons they are for or against a certain opinion I have no problems.

I just said why I think cats should be inside and/or spay/neutered.
I know Helpinhere and yourself disagrees with me which is fine, you never know, you might just change someone's mind about a subject if you present a strong enough argument.

Ahhh but if everyone had house cats, or at least cats that were spayed/neutered and in loving homes they would return to and be fed, wouldn't that stop the problem of "cats showing up on farms" ;)
Yes, but no.
In my opinion, I see cats, as generally domesticated, but they are still on the wild side... if that makes sense. Right now, as it stands, I see many cats in the wild, and they wouldn't dream of living with people. When a cat would rather fight to the death than be spayed/neutered (seen it happen, :() then I see it's primal urge for survival and reproduction as more than just a problem, and not entirely humanity's fault...
If that makes sense... :confused:

Maybe your cats are happy, content, well taken care of. I don't know that. I just know that over population leads to unhappy situations.
True, I agree with you, but as I said above, overpopulation is not entirely human's fault, so I don't believe, if the humans didn't entice the cats themselves to come, then they shouldn't be completely the human's responsibility.
Also, is it really overpopulation if

Shaz, It's not 2v1 (even before JKT showed up) I know it may have sounded that way, but I am actually trying to be neutral ground. Saying yes, we do need to help take care of them, but no, it's not our place to "own" these types of cats.
Hope that makes more sense.

Yes it does make sense.
I do understand that there are cats out there that could never be tamed and would be miserable living inside, I don't doubt that at all.

We have a few strays near us that absolutely refuse to come near us, but have a few others that are happy to be fed by us and even let us pet them but the others just plain refuse.

My side of the argument is that if all the strays were neutered (I know it is unrealistic) and people didn't breed their cats without proper knowledge and without screening homes then we would just have content house cats.

That is just my fantasy scenario, I know 'wild' cats will always be out there but for me it would be nice to think that one day I can make a difference and save a few cats from being mistreated or starve on the streets.

This is going slightly off topic, but a lot of people who let their cat breed willy nilly or even plan a litter just sell or give away the kitten to whoever wants them. They have no idea if that person is going to keep the cat until the day it dies, look after it and love it.
Now people who breed cats "professionally" screen their homes and make darn well sure they are going to be staying their for the rest of their life, and in some cases even check the finances of the person buying it to make sure they can afford vet care.

Sorry for the big rant, I live about 5 minutes away from my local shelter so I know how many animals are abandoned there, some people don't even bother going to the shelter they just dump their animals in our suburb.

:)

I don't breed my cats on purpse..
Its just wild tom cats that come up and you know,get with the mom cat lol
It not my fault they get pregnant

i dont breed my cats on purpse..
its just wild tom cats that come up and you know,get with the mom cat lol
it not my fault they get pregnat



I agree - but if they were neutered/spayed, if you checked into free neuter/spay programs, they wouldn't be able to get "pregnat."

Yes, but no.
In my opinion, I see cats, as generally domesticated, but they are still on the wild side... if that makes sense. Right now, as it stands, I see many cats in the wild, and they wouldn't dream of living with people. When a cat would rather fight to the death than be spayed/neutered (seen it happen, :() then I see it's primal urge for survival and reproduction as more than just a problem, and not entirely humanity's fault...
if that makes sense.... :confused:

Shaz, It's not 2v1 (even before JKT showed up) I know it may have sounded that way, but I am actually trying to be neutral ground. Saying yes, we do need to help take care of them, but no, it's not our place to "own" these types of cats.
Hope that makes more sense.


For the record - I didn't "show up" for the purpose of breaking a tie or defendant "Shaz." I post on these threads all the time.

I don't know where you are. I'm in an area and I work with a feral cat program. Feral cats are trapped, neutered/spayed, returned to where they were trapped on a regular basis. I haven't seen a single one fight to the death rather than be neutered/spayed. How does this happen? In my area they are trapped in humane traps, sedated and then the surgery is performed.

No one ever owns them or even attempts to own them - they do not make good housepets (an understatement) and they ARE returned to the "wild."

All that happens is that the wild cat population is reduced because they do not reproduce.

At one time I was very active in pet rescue. Now I am somewhat active. There are certain animals, both cats and dogs, which have been through experiences, including animal "farms," which render them incapable of being housepets. It's a sad fact.

So in my area they are - again! - spayed/neutered and returned to the "wild."

But I am curious how a cat can fight to the death to avoid being neutered.

Well, I don't mean it DOES die fighting, but I mean it seems like the cat would rather die than be caught... sorry for the misunderstanding.

I wasn't trying to say you were defending Shaz or anything, just trying to say I wasn't going against her.

And, even on the other side of the country, they have a very similar program.

Well, I don't mean it DOES die fighting, but I mean it seems like the cat would rather die than be caught... sorry for the misunderstanding.

I wasn't trying to say you were defending Shaz or anything, just trying to say I wasn't going against her.

And, even on the other side of the country, they have a very similar program.



We're certainly in agreement, then. It is a shame that there aren't more of these spay/neuter programs out there.

People dump off cats and kittens in my neighborhood all the time - they figure "we're" rural and so we can take them in. I see them starved, chased, torn apart by dogs, run over by cars, all the time. I lot more money is needed for a spay/neuter program but in these times, in this economy, there is little that can be done and the numbers are overwhelming.

Most of them turn feral and are actually dangerous.

I guess we all do what we can and hope we are making a difference.

And we all keep preaching - maybe to the choir!

There is a ferral spay and neuter clinic where I live too but catching them can be another matter. Then her parents might not be willing to take time and drive them there.
I know my cats went ferral and I can't catch them.
My one cat use to fight all the time and get absesses from it. He never did learn his lesson.

i dont breed my cats on purpse..
its just wild tom cats that come up and you know,get with the mom cat lol
it not my fault they get pregnat

Hi Taylor,
I just want you to know I am not having a go at you, I hope you don't feel that way.
You thread has sparked quite a discussion though ;)
If you want us to move it to another thread then just ask.

I agree with Judy though, if your cat was spayed then there would be no chance of her getting pregnant, even if there are tom cats around that are entire.
But that is up to your mom, not you, all you can do is try to convince her to get the surgery done.

Some people don't understand the huge impact that "just one litter" can have, for every kitten that a cat has that is one kitten that will die in a shelter.
I know there is the argument that not all people want to adopt from shelters but there are so many that do.

I adopted a rabbit a few months back and there was only one other bunny there, I was so happy, they get adopted rather quickly down here, unfortunately not all shelters are the same, they euthanise animals left right and center just because they can't find homes for them.

We don't have a program for spaying/neutering strays here. I have been looking into getting one started up, as well as trying to see if any vets will do spay/neuter vouchers for low income families.

Still working on it, need to have a long chat with my vet next time I go in (he used to be the shelters vet)

We don't have a program for spaying/neutering strays here. I have been looking into getting one started up, as well as trying to see if any vets will do spay/neuter vouchers for low income families.

Still working on it, need to have a long chat with my vet next time I go in (he used to be the shelters vet)

Good luck on that! :)
I know, I've volunteered, they are hard work and require a lot of dedication, but it's a great thing. I truly wish you the best in this endeavor of yours!

Good luck on that! :)
I know, I've volunteered, they are hard work and require a lot of dedication, but it's a great thing. I truly wish you the best in this endeavor of yours!

Thank you :)
It might take me a while but hopefully one day I can make it a reality.

Here's a figure I've seen before - shocking!

"In the span of seven years, an unspayed cat and her unspayed/unneutered offspring can produce 370,000 kittens! In the span of six years, an unspayed dog and her unspayed/unneutered offspring can produce 67,000 puppies!"

Why Spay or Neuter Your Dog / Cat :: Adopt-a-Pet.com (http://www.adoptapet.com/public/spay_and_neuter/)

Eww... amazing! :eek:

Here's a figure I've seen before - shocking!

"In the span of seven years, an unspayed cat and her unspayed/unneutered offspring can produce 370,000 kittens! In the span of six years, an unspayed dog and her unspayed/unneutered offspring can produce 67,000 puppies!"

Why Spay or Neuter Your Dog / Cat :: Adopt-a-Pet.com (http://www.adoptapet.com/public/spay_and_neuter/)

Wow, that is new to me. That's amazing.
And I thought the "puppy mill" down here was bad, producing 800 puppies in the past 10 years.

Here's a figure I've seen before - shocking!

"In the span of seven years, an unspayed cat and her unspayed/unneutered offspring can produce 370,000 kittens! In the span of six years, an unspayed dog and her unspayed/unneutered offspring can produce 67,000 puppies!"

Why Spay or Neuter Your Dog / Cat :: Adopt-a-Pet.com (http://www.adoptapet.com/public/spay_and_neuter/)

Wow:eek:, I never knew cats and dogs could have so many litters.

Joy

Nearly all of my relatives are farmers, so I know how cats are viewed... it's completely utilitarian. That does not make it right, however. I have never seen a "barn cat" live beyond two or three years, due to disease and vehicular casualties. Plus, as another poster pointed out, cats are decimating wild bird (and other species) populations, particularly in my state. At least have the cats spayed, so they can't have any more kittens.

I agree, most of them need to be spayed.

However, the cost and time invested needed to ensure that, by either the "owner's" (per-se) or the government's expense, is simply too great to make that drastic a change as to, say, spay 90&#37; of the farm cats in Wisconson.

I agree, most of them need to be spayed.

However, the cost and time invested needed to ensure that, by either the "owner's" (per-se) or the government's expense, is simply too great to make that drastic a change as to, say, spay 90% of the farm cats in Wisconson.



I agree - but if ONE cat is spayed or neutered, how many kittens, how much suffering can be averted?

I think everyone has to do whatever he/she can do - and if it's one cat, then it's one.

I don't think throwing up your hands in despair over the situation - and I don't believe you are doing that - helps anyone/anything.

One cat, one spay/neuter. No one can be expected to spay, neuter all the cats anywhere but those of us who believe in spaying/neutering have to chip away at the problem one step at a time.

I agree, most of them need to be spayed.

However, the cost and time invested needed to ensure that, by either the "owner's" (per-se) or the government's expense, is simply too great to make that drastic a change as to, say, spay 90% of the farm cats in Wisconson.

Most of my relatives are financially sound. They simply do not see cats as important enough to spend any money on. I'm sick of seeing dead cats squashed on the road side.

So tell your relatives.
I do see your point. However, the OP said that his mom can't afford it. This is also the case for many people. If you can do it, then do it, but not everyone can.

You say that as if you think I like seeing it... :confused:
No one mentally sound does.

I understand the whole spay neuter thing, I have a male and a female cat,both fixed,however I think it was a question of help for the situation at hand ie:THE CAT HAS A HOLE IN ITS HEAD Now, where were we? We live on a ranch/vineyard with more than one cat:) (not a vet ) Sounds like your cat has an abscess. These guys duke it out on occasion,resulting in a wound now and then.Check with a vet , most will answer a simple question,we use peroxide,rinse (not always easy ) and a triple aintibiotic ointment(thin coat )applied repeatedly,they always seem to pull through.Good luck.

I understand the whole spay neuter thing, I have a male and a female cat,both fixed,however I think it was a question of help for the situation at hand ie:THE CAT HAS A HOLE IN ITS HEAD Now, where were we? We live on a ranch/vineyard with more than one cat:) (not a vet ) Sounds like your cat has an abscess. These guys duke it out on occasion,resulting in a wound now and then.Check with a vet , most will answer a simple question,we use peroxide,rinse (not always easy ) and a triple aintibiotic ointment(thin coat )applied repeatedly,they always seem to pull through.Good luck.

It was a Wolf Fly Larvae that burrowed into his head ;)

So tell your relatives.
I do see your point. However, the OP said that his mom can't afford it. This is also the case for many people. If you can do it, then do it, but not everyone can.

You say that as if you think I like seeing it... :confused:
Noone mentally sound does.

I do understand your point of view but I'm a bid advocate for 'If you can't afford it, don't buy it'
So in my view if you can't afford to get the animal spayed (A relatively inexpensive procedure) then you can't afford to have a cat... what if something bad happens, it gets hit by a car or develops a disease that need ongoing treatment? If you don't have the money to spay then you aren't going to have the money for that.

You know I love you Helping, just have a strong opinion on this :)

So tell your relatives.
I do see your point. However, the OP said that his mom can't afford it. This is also the case for many people. If you can do it, then do it, but not everyone can.

You say that as if you think I like seeing it... :confused:
Noone mentally sound does.

I see cats dead on the road sides everywhere, not just at my relative's place...

The OP is a female (for the billionth time), and her mother owns horses. Horses are not inexpensive to keep. If the OP's mother can afford to feed and care for these animals, she can afford to get a cat spayed. People who can't or won't acquire medical care for animals really shouldn't have them.

I understand the whole spay neuter thing, I have a male and a female cat,both fixed,however I think it was a question of help for the situation at hand ie:THE CAT HAS A HOLE IN ITS HEAD Now, where were we? We live on a ranch/vineyard with more than one cat:) (not a vet ) Sounds like your cat has an abscess. These guys duke it out on occasion,resulting in a wound now and then.Check with a vet , most will answer a simple question,we use peroxide,rinse (not always easy ) and a triple aintibiotic ointment(thin coat )applied repeatedly,they always seem to pull through.Good luck.



Did you read the thread before you answered?

You missed some important info.

I grew up on a farm with barn cats but it was the rabbits that got the bot fly larvae. We did take the rabbit to the vet and they had never seen anything like it and did not know what to do (they treated it as if it was just a wound and tried to clean it up and hope it healed) So my older sister, a vet in training so it would seem, poured salt on it which seemed to paralyze the larvae and she plucked it out. The rabbit didn't squirm or show signs of pain from this. In case this happens again to one of your animals, and your parents can spring for the vet, you could try the salt, worked for us.
By the way, we put the larvae in a container of pure alcohol where it lived happily for a week!
We took it to the vet and told them what we did in case they encountered it again.

I do understand your point of view but I'm a bid advocate for 'If you can't afford it, don't buy it'
So in my view if you can't afford to get the animal spayed (A relatively inexpensive procedure) then you can't afford to have a cat... what if something bad happens, it gets hit by a car or develops a disease that need ongoing treatment? If you don't have the money to spay then you aren't going to have the money for that.

You know I luv ya Helpin, just have a strong opinion on this :)

I see cats dead on the road sides everywhere, not just at my relative's place...

The OP is a female (for the billionth time), and her mother owns horses. Horses are not inexpensive to keep. If the OP's mother can afford to feed and care for these animals, she can afford to get a cat spayed. People who can't or won't acquire medical care for animals really shouldn't have them.

Yes, if you can't afford to get it spayed, don't get a cat. Completely agree.
I'm saying, the people on a farm don't get the cat, the cat chases the mice. I agree, if you aren't a professional breeder, get your pet spayed/neutered, or don't get a pet. I DISAGREE in this situation. The "owners" don't "get" these animals, they come. If the owner chose to have the cat, then they should have to take care of them.

However, when people with a farm DON'T choose a cat, the cat chooses the mice. I don't feel it is their responsibility, the cat is being a wild cat. It is not the best thing in the world, but I feel that this is a much better alternative than kicking a cat out because you can't afford it's vet bills. It kills the mice for you, in exchange for the food it gets, and a barn to sleep in. Again, not the BEST solution, but it is the cat that chooses it's lifestyle, not the person, and I don't believe the people should be responsible for a cat's decision. If it was the people's decision to take the cats, then it would be a different story...

And, sorry again. The OP relates to me in many ways, and me being a male, I always just jump to "he".
SORRY TAYLOR! :o

Again, not the BEST solution, but it is the cat that chooses it's lifestyle, not the person, and I don't believe the people should be responsible for a cat's decision. If it was the people's decision to take the cats, then it would be a different story....

And, sorry again. The OP relates to me in many ways, and me being a male, I always just jump to "he".
SORRY TAYLOR! :o



Of everything I have EVER read on AMHD this is the hardest to swallow - the CAT chooses the lifestyle? It's the CAT'S decision?

Honestly - very hard to swallow. You are certainly entitled to your opinion but I find this line of thinking to be, well, bizarre.

Cats rule Dogs drool
Cats only let people THINK they own them :D

I have to spread the rep, but yes... the cat chooses the life-style? Insane!

Hmm...
well, that's your opinion. Lol. To each his/her own.

Well, let's see. The cats want to live. They follow the mice. The mice want to live. They run to the barn. The cats follow the mice to the barn.

Now, the people can either:

1: Accept a burden they didn't invite and take every cat that appears on their property to get fixed. (not counting kittens, just full grown cats) That's up to 13 cats a month. (we usually had more when I was living on a farm). Now, the owner CAN get them all fixed, but you can calculate the cost yourself. Many of the cats leave, because scared of the horses/cattle/people/etc. or die (:() but few stay. I don't think anyone realistically living on a farm could afford to fix them all. By the time they figure out which ones are there to stay, the cats are usually either too wild to catch, and expect them to stay after, or they could already be pregnant.

2: Accept the responsibility "having" a cat entails, and realize they can't take care of the cats. Even though, like N0help said, people don't really own cats. (agree completely on that) Take every cat they get to the vet. They can't, you would go broke. Kick the cats out so it's not their problem. Then, their food gets eaten by mice, the mice multiply because the cats aren't there to catch them. The cats do not have a (semi)warm place to sleep, and are separated from their food, leading too much more cat deaths.

3: Let the cats be there. The cats get the mice. Help the farm, which in turn helps the world (think about this happening on every farm everywhere) a little bit from starvation. Control the rodent population. Plus, the cats get a barn to sleep in (or under a car, or wherever they choose), they get food in the winter, when there are less mice (this is how we did it, and how Taylor says she does it) get vet care when it is essential (like the original point of this thread). They multiply, true. However, the cats born will be born either way. Wouldn't you rather baby kittens be born starving, or with plenty of mice around?

I have explored all three options. The third one is the most humane one. There is nothing you can do, while saving enough money to sustain yourselves, to take care of all of the cats.

Do you have a better solution?

And, before you say it, you CAN'T catch all of the ones you can't afford and take it in to a shelter. We tried that also, but they wouldnt' accept more than X cats a month from us (don't remember exact number, but I'm sure it changes depending on location)

Call me crazy, insane, loco, not fit to post on AMHD, whatever, but I've been there, I've experienced it, and I know that this is the best alternative.

Again, any better ideas?

THE CAT DIARY

DAY 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

DAY 761 - Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair... must try this on their bed.

DAY 762 - Slept all day so that I could annoy my captors with sleep depriving, incessant pleas for food at ungodly hours of the night.

DAY 765 - Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was... Hmmm. Not working according to plan...

DAY 768 - I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid. My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

DAY 771 - There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer." More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

DAY 774 - I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The Bird on the other hand has got to be an informant. He has mastered their frightful tongue. (something akin to mole speak) and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured. But I can wait, it is only a matter of time...

DAY 183 OF MY CAPTIVITY

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture.

Tomorrow I may eat another house plant.

Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking, almost succeeded; must try this at the top of the stairs next time. In an attempt to disgust and repulse them, I again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. (Note-to-self: I think I'll try urinating under their bed, too. Wonder how long it'll take them to find it?)

Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was. Not working according to plan. There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary confinement throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food.

More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergeez." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage. I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and may be snitches. The dogs are routinely released and seem more than happy to return. They must obviously be half-wits.

The bird, on the other hand, appears to have become an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is preserved. But I can wait; it's only a matter of time...

DAY 185 OF MY CAPTIVITY

It is now my 185th day in captivity. My captors have completely eliminated my canned food and replaced it with dry kibble, claiming that it is better for my health. The wet food was the only thing I looked forward too, and now even that has been taken from me. I have discovered, however, that the dry food serves to create sharper points on my teeth, and keeps them stronger. I must force myself to consume it, regardless of the taste.

Each morning, they read pages of what is called a newspaper. I found that it is particularly annoying to my captors if I lie on it while they read. Shredding the newspaper is also a particular peeve of theirs, and I have taken delight in doing this before they awake each morning.

My captors have now obtained a "fish tank" - which serves to make up for part of my loss in the food department. While the little creatures are tiny, they are quite tasty. They have yet to replace the two small fish that I have consumed. I must think of a way to make them notice the loss.

The bird continues to mock me. Its little metal room has proven stronger than originally anticipated...

DAY 201 OF MY CAPTIVITY

I'm unsure of my ability to survive as a captive and have made several attempts to break out. At first, it was simple enough to circle my captors feet, in a surreptitious manner, as they opened the front door. I would then bolt from them through the door to freedom. But, to no avail - they caught me in a manner of minutes - my legs are not as fast as they used to be and I grow weak with continued imprisonment. What is worse is that since the first attempt, I have now found myself separated from the living room. My captors are much more intelligent than originally anticipated...

For entertainment, I have taken to terrorizing the dogs by sitting on the kitchen table and swiping at them with my long nails. The dogs are obvious half-wits. They know very little about my skills as a hunter, and are forbidden by my captors to attack me. The dogs grow more irritated each day.

I have found my captors are easy to manipulate in many ways, but outdoor access remains elusive. I have not lost hope, however, and have every intention of escaping this horrid place one-day soon...

Copiright &#169; 2006-2008 The Cats We Love (http://www.kittens-lair.net). All rights reserved.

Hmm...
well, that's your opinion. lol. To each his/her own.

Well, let's see. The cats want to live. They follow the mice. The mice want to live. They run to the barn. The cats follow the mice to the barn.

Now, the people can either:

1: Accept a burden they didn't invite and take every cat that appears on their property to get fixed. (not counting kittens, just full grown cats) That's up to 13 cats a month. (we usually had more when I was living on a farm). Now, the owner CAN get them all fixed, but you can calculate the cost yourself. Many of the cats leave, because scared of the horses/cattle/people/etc., or die (:() but few stay. I don't think anyone realistically living on a farm could afford to fix them all. By the time they figure out which ones are there to stay, the cats are usually either too wild to catch, and expect them to stay after, or they could already be pregnant.

2: Accept the responsibility "having" a cat entails, and realize they can't take care of the cats. Even though, like N0help said, people don't really own cats. (agree completely on that) Take every cat they get to the vet. They can't, you would go broke. Kick the cats out so it's not their problem. Then, their food gets eaten by mice, the mice multiply because the cats aren't there to catch them. The cats do not have a (semi)warm place to sleep, and are seperated from their food, leading to much more cat deaths.

3: Let the cats be there. The cats get the mice. Help the farm, which in turn helps the world (think about this happening on every farm everywhere) a little bit from starvation. Control the rodent population. Plus, the cats get a barn to sleep in (or under a car, or wherever they choose), they get food in the winter, when there are less mice (this is how we did it, and how Taylor says she does it) get vet care when it is essential (like the original point of this thread). They multiply, true. However, the cats born will be born either way. Wouldn't you rather baby kittens be born starving, or with plenty of mice around?

I have explored all three options. The third one is the most humane one. There is nothing you can do, while saving enough money to sustain yourselves, to take care of all of the cats.

Do you have a better solution?

And, before you say it, you CAN'T catch all of the ones you can't afford and take it in to a shelter. We tried that also, but they wouldnt' accept more than X cats a month from us (don't remember exact number, but I'm sure it changes depending on location)

Call me crazy, insane, loco, not fit to post on AMHD, whatever, but I've been there, I've experienced it, and I know that this is the best alternative.

Again, any better ideas?



I find your conclusion that cats choose a lifestyle to be preposterous. You have responded with a lengthy post about what will solve the problem of too many cats. The cause of and solution to that situation have been pretty much talked to death.

My response was totally to the "cats choosing lifestyle" portion of your answer, which you still haven't addressed.

I do not believe cats "choose" anything, any more than dogs "choose" anything. They are animals. They do not have the basic intelligence to sit around and pick out where they want to live. They are driven by a need for shelter, food, companionship and, yes, sex. I see no "choice" in that on their part.

You apparently didn't read some of the other answers or you wouldn't have made the "or would you prefer to cats to be born starving" comment which, by the way, I find unnecessarily argumentative - do you really think anyone is going to say, "Yes, I think they should be born and then starve to death"? That question simply puts people on the defensive.

In the "animal choosing" category I hear - in rescue work - all the time: "And then my dog ran away." Ran away or got out, got lost, for whatever reason couldn't get back?

Okay, now I see what you meant JKT... I wasn't sure what you were trying to say at first, :p

Hmm... maybe "choose" wasn't the best word... let me rephrase please.

Cats naturally seek out a means of survival, and that lifestyle is what they find.

Better? (sorry, I didn't even realize how inappropriate the word "choose" was in this situation.)
However, I still stand by my position, and every thing I intended... not necessarilly how it was worded, but what I meant...

And as for the "would you rather" question, purely hypothetical, as I do know that no one posting in this thread would want cats, esp. baby kittens, to starve.

Peroxide for a deep wound is not recommended.While getting rid of bacteria,it also can eat away healthy tissue.Defeating the purpose.
Saline solution is recommended and then antibiotic ointment and wrap with gauze.Wrap it up well so the mother can't keep licking at it.
Saline solution is inexpensive as is gauze.The gauze needs to be changed daily,with the entire procedure repeated.

My cat had the same thing and I took him to humane society and they said it could possibly be rabies, well the only way to find out for sure, is to take out the brain, well a week later they told me it wasn't, which I already knew because he was acting himself. Not all people are born and bred with money, and for you people out there who were, keep your nasty opinions to yourself please

my cat had the same thing and i took him to humane society and they said it could possibly be rabies, well the only way to find out for sure, is to take out the brain, well a week later they told me it wasn't, which i already knew because he was acting himself. not all people are born and bred with money, and for you people out there who were, keep your nasty opinions to yourself please

The problem has been solved, please read all answers before responding.
Nobody gave nasty opinions, just the plain and simple truth.
If you don't have money, don't have pets.

my cat had the same thing and i took him to humane society and they said it could possibly be rabies, well the only way to find out for sure, is to take out the brain, well a week later they told me it wasn't, which i already knew because he was acting himself. not all people are born and bred with money, and for you people out there who were, keep your nasty opinions to yourself please



Did you read the thread? The question was answered some time ago.

And don't even begin to "order" who will or will not answer you or in what manner. Kindly read the rules of the site. If you don't want opinions, don't post.

my cat had the same thing and i took him to humane society and they said it could possibly be rabies, well the only way to find out for sure, is to take out the brain, well a week later they told me it wasn't, which i already knew because he was acting himself. not all people are born and bred with money, and for you people out there who were, keep your nasty opinions to yourself please

Grah! Trolls again!

Take out the brain! That would definitely kill the poor kitten! :mad:

And in addition, very rude and careless!

artlady agrees: I didn't know it was taken care of or I would have let it go.Time to start reading the entire thread.OOPS :)

I wasn't going off at you, I know yours was an accident :)

What I found offensive was the rude comment from "ragstoriches"

Grah! Trolls again!

Take out the brain!? That would definitely kill the poor kitten! :mad:

And in addition, very rude and careless!

Sorry Unknown, had to spread the rep. It looks like you don't really need it anyway! ;)

But, seriously, it's like
"Okay, you don't have rabies, I guess you can have your brai... Ooh, that's right"
*later that night, calls the family*
"I'm sorry, but your kitten had rabies and we had to put it down."

I mean, seriously, only a quack vet would recommend removing the brain for ANY reason, except POSTHUMOUS investigations... maybe.

I do believe the only way to know for sure is to actually remove the brain...
I don't know if that is true or not as we don't have rabies here...

However, that would only be done after the animal had died, not as a diagnosis tool!
They would observe the animal before making that sort of call.

Also isn't the rabies vaccine a requirement by law?

Hmm... it is required by law for OUTDOOR cats here. Indoor cats, no. However, the laws may be different for rags. I seriously doubt that he would be taking care of his animals if he actually even considered that "vet's" advice, seems crazy to me.

And he comes here to bash our treatment of animals... *sigh*

Sorry Unknown, had to spread the rep. It looks like you don't really need it anyway! ;)

But, seriously, it's like
"Okay, you don't have rabies, I guess you can have your brai... Ooh, that's right"
*later that night, calls the family*
"I'm sorry, but your kitten had rabies and we had to put it down."

I mean, seriously, only a quack vet would recommend removing the brain for ANY reason, except POST-Partum investigations... maybe.



Had to smile - Post Partum?

Yeah... well, I'm tired, don't judge me! >_>
Lol

There, I edited it to posthumously, happy? :p


Thanks, that was a stupid mistake, you caught it so that I could edit it, :P

Yeah... well, I'm tired, don't judge me! >_>
lol

There, I edited it to posthumously, happy? :p


Thanks, that was a stupid mistake, you caught it so that I could edit it, :P



I thought it was funny - no question what you meant but apparently childbirth was on your mind.

No harm, no foul. (Or fowl, depending on the board it's on)

Yes they do in fact have to test brain tissue to test for rabbies. And saline solution will not do anything to this type of bot fly larvae, although good for a regular wound.

Hmm... it is required by law for OUTDOOR cats here. Indoor cats, no. However, the laws may be different for rags. I seriously doubt that he would be taking care of his animals if he actually even considered that "vet's" advice, seems crazy to me.

And he comes here to bash our treatment of animals... *sigh*

Ahhh OK, cheers, wasn't sure.
I'm limited with my knowledge of American law to what I have read on this board haha
It's good though, now I know I have to be 16 before I can have sex with a 40 year old man :rolleyes:

We all say silly things helping, gawd knows what I have typed early in the morning that I don't rememeber doing!

I agree with handyamby, they can do a brain biopsy, not taking out the brain. Taking out the brain is for post humous tests, like all the others have said.

Anyway, we are going away from the subject matter.

I wonder how the little kitten is doing now? I hope it didn't get lost again...

I agree with handyamby, they can do a brain biopsy, not taking out the brain. Taking out the brain is for post humous tests, like all the others have said.

Anyway, we are going away from the subject matter.

I wonder how the little kitten is doing now? I hope it didn't get lost again...

I don't know if Taylor will come back or not, we hi-jacked her thread pretty bad :eek:

I hope she does, I'd like to know how the kitty is doing also.

I don't know if Taylor will come back or not, we hi-jacked her thread pretty bad :eek:

I hope she does, I'd like to know how the kitty is doing also.


Jeebus, that's the truth! I hope Hanley is doing fine. :o

Hey its me.
Sorry I haven't been on..
OK well... they went missing,all 4 of them.. then they all ame back but Hanley... well turns out my neighbors had him and was taking care of them... me and my sister went to go get him today... and they let him out and now he's lost again!! >.<

I think if you can't really afford to take care of them than you have to think about what is best for them.
Maybe it's a good thing?
Hope so.

I think if you can't really afford to take care of them than you have to think about what is best for them.
Maybe its a good thing?
Hope so.

No because we have freakin $50 medicine just for him and they are just putting Neasporin on it... so WE have what's better for him

no because we have freakin $50 medicine just for him and they are just putting Neasporin on it...so WE have whats better for him

I would be thinking about locking him up inside until he is healed. (Once you find him again)
If he keeps going missing then his head is never going to heal and it could get infected.

Or... give the neighbours the medicine and let them care for him, ask them if they would like a kitten to look after.

This is going to sound really mean and I'm sorry but if you have a sick animals, have taken it to the vet and got medicine for it, you don't just keep letting it run away.

You're absolutely correct about that, shazamataz!

If a person is going to love, nurish and care for an animal, then they need to be in total contral of where that animal is!

Thanks!

no because we have freakin $50 medicine just for him and they are just putting Neasporin on it...so WE have whats better for him

I'd give the medicine AND the cat to the neighbor - hopfully the neighbor can afford neutering, will do so, will turn Harley into an inside cat and Harley will live a long life.

I also don't think this is going to happen because it seems to be more about what a person owns (the cat) than what a person can properly care for.

Meanwhile I'm pretty sure the mother cat is working on her next litter.


EDIT: Thanks for the correction. Can you tell I'm on vacation and just off a Harley?

Wow, I hadn't heard of a wolf larvae until I saw this thread,

But here is another possible shot of it:
http://www.edwardtbabinski.us/intelligentdesign/wolf_worm.html

I have no idea what site Aledxdfox just posted - I not only couldn't get to it but my computer shut down twice with a warning alert.

Maybe someone else will have a different experience but that was mine -

I did find this but you need to join and sign in - which I am not willing to do. http://edward-t-babinski.blogspot.com/2006/09/wolf-worms-bot-fly-and-lord-of-flies.html

The site I posted just has lots of banner ads that probably can slow some browsers down.

Here is a better link from the university of florida:
http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/slansky/botfly/abotfly/overview.htm

The topic is what causes lumpy squirrels, which is the wolf larvae. I'm so glad that I've never seen a squirrel like this in person. Its sooo gross. But is obvious what the cat had. Although this post is old & the owner no longer needs it, I thought it interesting enough to share the info. In case anyone else ever came across something like this with their pet.

Hi, taylor2012!

Did you ever solve the problem with your cat?

Thanks!