To all the cat owners

[BloatedGuppy]

For the food itself I was 'assuming' dry food in the morning and dry/wet food in the evening. Im trying to get as much info as I can from the vet in every aspect.

Yeah don't feed your cat dry food.

Cats are obligate carnivores who get 95% of their moisture requirements through their food. They have shit-all for a drinking instinct. Cats on a dry food diet will be chronically dehydrated, and have the resultant cavalcade of (expensive) health issues.

I won't be a fanatic and tell you to buy a meat grinder and make homemade raw food, because ain't nobody got time for that. But I would recommend feeding your cat a predominantly or preferably entirely wet food diet, and stick to higher quality brands at that...no Fancy Feast or Purina. Some cats are sensitive to Carageenan, so check cans for that when deciding on brands as well.

Your cat will live a longer, healthier, happier life, and you'll save money and stress.

 

[Prepare Your Keyhole]

D'awww whose a good human, whose a good human? You are, yes you are :3

Deaf or not deaf prepare to be dominated by the kitteh and it will make you his/her ***** (seriously my cats own the place).
About food i'm not too sure but my cats are extremely picky and they'll more often than not steal mah food D:
Always remember though: Cuddle that kitten

 

[Fappy]

For the food itself I was 'assuming' dry food in the morning and dry/wet food in the evening. Im trying to get as much info as I can from the vet in every aspect.

Yeah don't feed your cat dry food.

Cats are obligate carnivores who get 95% of their moisture requirements through their food. They have shit-all for a drinking instinct. Cats on a dry food diet will be chronically dehydrated, and have the resultant cavalcade of (expensive) health issues.

I won't be a fanatic and tell you to buy a meat grinder and make homemade raw food, because ain't nobody got time for that. But I would recommend feeding your cat a predominantly or preferably entirely wet food diet, and stick to higher quality brands at that...no Fancy Feast or Purina. Some cats are sensitive to Carageenan, so check cans for that when deciding on brands as well.

Your cat will live a longer, healthier, happier life, and you'll save money and stress.

I have been told by multiple vets that the absolute best you can do (if your cats can handle it) is to feed them both wet and dry food on a set schedule. The wet foods serves the purposes you described and the dry food is supposed to make their teeth/gums healthier. At the moment my family's too lazy to do wet food, but I plan to rectify that soon.

EDIT: I have also had a vet tell me to go 100% wet, so I think there's still a lot of debate going on there.

OT: In my experience, handicapped cats don't really need all that much more than other cats. He'll probably adapt just fine. I would definitely keep him indoors if that is an option though. Being deaf around cars/in the wilderness is... not good.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

I have been told by multiple vets that the absolute best you can do (if your cats can handle it) is to feed them both wet and dry food on a set schedule. The wet foods serves the purposes you described and the dry food is supposed to make their teeth/gums healthier. At the moment my family's too lazy to do wet food, but I plan to rectify that soon.

I realize you're going to take the word of random vets over me (although do keep in mind, most vets sell dry food), but I've heard conflicting information from my own vet.

Most specifically, dry food does absolutely nothing to clean their teeth. It's dry. It cracks/breaks/crumbles away from the point of impact. To clean, they'd need the "sliding in and out of flesh" motion. Which they get with chunks of meat, not dried out hunks of kibble.

Mostly though, vets these days seem to want you to actually brush your cat's teeth. I'm sure you've had it recommended by more than one. They give you like...tuna toothpaste, and you rub a little rubble bristle brush over their teeth. Hypothetically anyway. I want to do it, but my cat has had quite enough my of shit and doesn't want me poking around in his mouth.

This is a reasonably good discussion on the wet food/dry food issue: http://www.catster.com/cat-food/cat-food-wet-or-dry

 

[Fappy]

I have been told by multiple vets that the absolute best you can do (if your cats can handle it) is to feed them both wet and dry food on a set schedule. The wet foods serves the purposes you described and the dry food is supposed to make their teeth/gums healthier. At the moment my family's too lazy to do wet food, but I plan to rectify that soon.

I realize you're going to take the word of random vets over me (although do keep in mind, most vets sell dry food), but I've heard conflicting information from my own vet.

Most specifically, dry food does absolutely nothing to clean their teeth. It's dry. It cracks/breaks/crumbles away from the point of impact. To clean, they'd need the "sliding in and out of flesh" motion. Which they get with chunks of meat, not dried out hunks of kibble.

Mostly though, vets these days seem to want you to actually brush your cat's teeth. I'm sure you've had it recommended by more than one. They give you like...tuna toothpaste, and you rub a little rubble bristle brush over their teeth. Hypothetically anyway. I want to do it, but my cat has had quite enough my of shit and doesn't want me poking around in his mouth.

This is a reasonably good discussion on the wet food/dry food issue: http://www.catster.com/cat-food/cat-food-wet-or-dry

I can see us getting away with brushing for two of our cats. They wouldn't like it, but they would deal. The third cat though? He is the sweetest thing in the universe, but he was feral for a full year or more before I adopted him, so he still has his skittish-as-fuck instincts. If I tried to hold him in place and stick something in his mouth he'd flip out.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

I can see us getting away with brushing for two of our cats. They wouldn't like it, but they would deal. The third cat though? He is the sweetest thing in the universe, but he was feral for a full year or more before I adopted him, so he still has his skittish-as-fuck instincts. If I tried to hold him in place and stick something in his mouth he'd flip out.

I think "Putting things in cats mouths that they don't want in there" is actually a rite of passage in some cultures.

 

[SecondPrize]

Aye, she asked me clearly to keep the cat indoors at all times. I live in Germany so its 'rare' to have a complete indoor cat, atleast the region where I live in. I mean...one 'bonus' for me in this aspect anyways...is that Im deathly afraid of mice haha. Zombies/Aliens/Demons..wtv, bring it on, a mouse...Id turn into a sobbing wreck onto my couch haha.
Ive learned to 'cope' with them up to now that I can...shoo them away or..not run away screaming as if I were on fire, but nevertheless they still make me shudder.

Our cat was fat and I was very upset when I moved to Germany and people kept calling her a dick, or so I thought. I don't have personal experience with deaf cats but they are supremely adaptable and it'll be fine. How do you feel about dead mice? You may be seeing some of those.

 

[FalloutJack]

A previous cat of mine eventually got ear mites, which reduced her sense of hearing dramatically. She was also kind of post-injury from a car-related incident, but managed to live a full life where she eventually - during a time when she was very ill - disappeared as mysteriously as she came. (I had found her when I was two.) Bit grumpy at times, stared holes through the door rather than call to be let out, and was a friendly furball for most of her life.

 

[gxs]

I had a deaf cat. She was great. But there are a few rules you need to keep in mind.

1. You never sneak up on them. I usually approached her in a wide circle so that she could quickly see me.
2. Don't treat them with gloves on all the time. You would be amazed how all the beings adapt. My cat didn't act any differently then an ordinary cat apart from the fact that calling her was pointless and that she used to watch me to see my mood because she couldn't hear my voice.
3. Expect her to be needy. It could be just my cat but she loved to cuddle more than any other cat I ever owned and I owned quite a few cats. But it could be just the fact that she was homeless when I took her in and she was saying thanks all the time.

 

[Imp_Emissary]

My cat isn't deaf or impaired in any way, apart from occasionally being a total douchenozzle, but I just wanted to post to wish you luck.

That is so adorable. :3

My ovaries...

Just keep them on the inside and you should be fine, Colour......probably........Maybe......
Keep a cellphone near you just in case.

Good evening dear escapists,

Spoiler: It's up top.

A question burning in my mind. The following, Ive always wanted a cat...Ive had 3 dogs in the past, a hamster, and a dwarf rabbit, these were all in my younger years, sadly in the last apartment I was in I wasnt allowed to have pets. Since moving I specifically looked at my contracts and the apartments so that I could make sure..that I could have a pet. Ive never had a cat before, and yes I know of their (sometimes) destructive tendencies. Now after searching far and wide, I actually wanted to get a cat from the animal shelter, yet nevertheless a friend of a friend had kittens and I said if there are any of the litter left and they were completely checked out by the vet etc, Id gladly take one.

After all was said and done, there was 1 kitten left, hes now 11 weeks old, and many ppl saw him and said that they dont want a 'broken' cat. Fact taken, the poor little chap is 95% deaf. Now comes the question to the escapists...Im 100% sure Ill take him in...Im prepared to raise him etc and take care of him as if he were a normal cat, yet nevertheless, I was wondering if anyone maybe knows someone who has a deaf cat, or in turn, has a deaf cat themselves.
I went to the vet today to get some pointers, on what I should watch, how I should react etc (no sneaking up on him..seeing as he cant hear me, tapping on tables so he feels vibrations etc etc...). Any sharing of experience from anyone would be amazing I thank you all for your time and eventual answers.

Our cat Pumpkin is deaf. At least we think she is. She's 22 years old.

Basically you just have to keep an eye on them, know where they like to go for a nap, and make sure you can find them because of course you can't just call for them anymore.

Those tips about being careful not to sneak up on them and using vibrations are a good way to get their attention. Even at 22 Pumpkin can "feel" you coming if you make enough of a vibration.

The only other thing I have to add is try not to let your cat get into places where you can't see them. Sense you can't call them over, you won't likely be able to get their attention if they can't see you.

Other than that, all should be basically normal.

Also, if you plan on giving your cat baths, be ready for them to cry the whole time. They no like it.

 

[The White Hunter]

Keep it indoors as others have said, that means be really vigilant with your doors and windows, otherwise they WILL escape. Much like Ferrets do given the chance.

 

[Lilikins]

How do you feel about dead mice? You may be seeing some of those.

Im...getting psychologically ready for that during the next week before I pick him up, Ill say it that way haha. Im 'doubting' Ill see any seeing as he will be indoors the whole time, but if he does bring me one I know it will be from inside the house so that will..either
A: Give me nightmares and make me freak out even living in here.
B: Be thankful that maybe he will 'scare' them off...

Im assuming it will be a mixture of the two.

(and dick in german means 'chubby/fat' hehe just saying incase you havent somehow found that out yet. Adding this just to say that tis not meant rudely towards you in any way or so hehe Ive got a friend whos lived here for...14 years and the only things he knows in german at this time is how to order a beer..and buy smokes haha.)

This is a reasonably good discussion on the wet food/dry food issue: http://www.catster.com/cat-food/cat-food-wet-or-dry

That was actually quite the interesting read, and did enforce my thought of mixing dry with wet food to be fully honest, for those crunchy bits. Lots of things Ive read up to now also said its 'ok' to feed them raw meat (as a treat), yet I will admit Im a bit hesitant of that fact but, will ask the vet about that one more directly.

And about the little one running into places where I cant find him, seeing as he wont be able to hear me. As I was lieing in bed last night giving everything a proper think through, the thought of 'switching lights on and off' to signal that its time for food struck me. I donno but maybe it will also help me find him if hes hiding somewhere and not napping at the moment hehe
He'll probably be a bit cross at me for running out and noticing its not breakfast or dinner time..but Im assuming he'll forgive me after a min or two.

Edit 1: Edited a part for clarity.

 

[Mullac]

I don't have a cat, but I get loads of cats coming into my garden and pooping. Now I'm not one to mess with nature, but those creatures sure don't know boundaries, they're like little pooping machines. So, er, yeah...take that in mind.

 

[RandV80]

Hehe, well my apartment for the most part...is 'childproof' Ill say.
So theres nothing that the little one can...smash etc, Ive already bought quite a few toys etc, and a laser pointer (the glory..that will be had) Im buying a semi 'large' scratching post that I can put in the corner of the living room, so I can hopefully direct him to that area if he wants to claw stuff up. I quite enjoy my couch being in one piece haha, so Id prefer him to go nuts on the post then.

The caring and 'beauty' supplies Im also getting when I get that scratching post, everything in xxl version I spose haha. Hes a Maine Coon so, Im assuming he'll get to the size of a smaller dog when hes fully grown.

For the food itself I was 'assuming' dry food in the morning and dry/wet food in the evening. Im trying to get as much info as I can from the vet in every aspect.

Getting them to use a scratching post is definitely key. I have two oversized tabby's that may be half Maine Coon, the male is 22lbs and the female is 12lbs, cats need to scratch there claws on something so give them something better to destroy than your couch and you'll save yourself a lot of grief. My cat furniture of choice is something called a 'cat tree'... though they're getting really hard to find. Looks like this:

Spoiler

It's basically 4 simple cat posts stacked on top of each other extending to the ceiling, looks good, doesn't take up too much room, and only costs $60-70. Kind of getting hard to find though, been buying these for years but worried it may be discontinued.

For feeding be careful with wet food. You don't want them to stop eating their dry food and only wanting wet food, because eating nothing but that isn't good for their teeth. And believe me many cats have conned their owners into eating nothing but wet food, they're pretty good at that! For mine I've kept the wet food as a treat. Every morning they get a hard food dental treat called greenies they every like, and then some fancy feast in the evening every second night... though sometimes they cute me out for an off day serving. The key here is to make sure he's eating his fill of the dry food.

As for a dead cat? You're lucky here that he's a kitten, just play with him a lot and he should grow up accustomed to it. I've met a blind & deaf cat before, was friendly enough but if you caught him unaware (very easy to do) and started petting his head/back he'd hiss and scratch. Gauge what you can do while he's a kitten and train him to get used to you so you don't get hurt when he's full grown.

 

[RandV80]

Oh yeah and one very, very important thing that you may want to consider... fill the bathtub with a little bit of water and throw that kitteh in! It may seem mean, but Maine Coon's are long haired cats and with long haired cats sometimes when they're using the litter box things can get... stuck. The last thing you want is finding yourself wrestling a 27 pound Maine Coon into the bathtub for the first time! Cat's can learn to get used to it and not mind the water, I had to do it with mine the hard way, but of course these is easiest and in your case safest to train when they're kittens.

I mean don't do it right away or anything, give the kitten a few weeks to adjust, but it's something to consider doing eventual.

 

[Lilikins]

Oh yeah and one very, very important thing that you may want to consider... fill the bathtub with a little bit of water and throw that kitteh in! It may seem mean, but Maine Coon's are long haired cats and with long haired cats sometimes when they're using the litter box things can get... stuck. The last thing you want is finding yourself wrestling a 27 pound Maine Coon into the bathtub for the first time! Cat's can learn to get used to it and not mind the water, I had to do it with mine the hard way, but of course these is easiest and in your case safest to train when they're kittens.

I mean don't do it right away or anything, give the kitten a few weeks to adjust, but it's something to consider doing eventual.

Yes Ive read that they are actually really fond of water

Im actually going to try and fill a small tub of water and start setting him inside to see if he likes it or not, next to taking showers and seeing if he wants to go in aswell, time will tell if hes a water lover or not hehe

 

[mecegirl]

I friend of mine linked to this on facebook.

http://imgur.com/a/dURi3

I'm dieing of laughter because it's all so true. #cat people problems.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

For feeding be careful with wet food. You don't want them to stop eating their dry food and only wanting wet food, because eating nothing but that isn't good for their teeth.

Snip

Is myth. Will quote OP as well if he's interested.

http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/does-dry-food-clean-the-teeth/

Most cats don?t consistently chew dry food; they swallow it whole. Obviously, without contacting the teeth, there is zero effect on tartar accumulation. For cats who do chew dry food, whether consistently or occasionally, there is still little or no benefit. The kibbles shatter, so contact between the kibble and the teeth occurs only at the tips of the teeth. This is certainly not enough to make a difference in the formation of tartar and plaque, which most commonly builds up along (and underneath) the gumline at the base of the teeth.

Keeping your cat?s (or dog?s) teeth and gums healthy requires a commitment on your part. Daily toothbrushing and regular veterinary cleanings are still important. The labels on even the special ?tartar control? diets like Hill?s t/d and Friskies dental diet recommend these additional steps. (Of course, brushing daily with periodic cleaning by the vet are sufficient to keep the teeth healthy by themselves, without using a special diet at all!) Dental diets are very different from all other dry foods. The kibbles are very large, and have a different texture than regular dry food.

In my experience as a feline veterinarian, I?ve probably examined at least 13,000 cats? mouths. There was no real pattern to the dental and periodontal disease I saw. If anything, tartar and gum disease seemed to be more attributable to genetics or concurrent disease (such as feline leukemia or feline AIDS) than to any particular diet. I saw beautiful and horrible mouths in cats eating wet food, dry food, raw food, and every possible combination. Many of my patients initially ate mostly or exclusively dry food; yet these cats had some of the most infected, decayed, foul-smelling mouths I saw. If there was any dietary influence at all, I?d say that raw-fed cats had better oral health than cats on any type of commercial food. However, the overall effect of diet on dental health appeared to be minimal at most.

If your vet still believes the myth of dry food and dental health (which is still actively promoted by the pet food companies despite the utter lack of scientific support for the theory), here are a few references that refute the idea:

And it goes on to list references from there.

I'm honestly not sure how any of us ever believed dry food cleaned teeth to begin with. Imagine if I told you that you didn't need to brush, you just needed to eat a lot of crackers and the crunching motion would clean the plaque off your teeth.

It's lunacy.

 

[Dismal purple]

Your biggest responsibility here is actually to make sure the cat can live indoors. Google google google

My outdoors cat was forced to be an indoors cat for two years after we moved and the boredom absolutely ruined her mentally. I don't think she ever recovered completely.

pro-tip: Keep the litterbox clean. This is the main reason that cats don't use the litter box.