cat queries . . .

[shivvy]

I was adopted by a cat quite recently and have no previous experience of living with or caring for them. I have pretty much established the eating, pooing and in-and-out routines but there are a couple of things that seem to be a bit odd which I wouldn't mind an opinion on.
Firstly, she sometimes seems to eat a little bit of litter when it is put down - is there something in it that she isn't getting in her diet?
Secondly, her tail seems to be out of control! It wags very much like a dogs but without any particular reason. It seems to annoy her when she is trying to sleep and she seems to try and trap it under her body or legs when she lies down.
Any ideas?

[wolf63]

Can't really help, but wanted to wish youluck.

Cats are choosy about who they pick to live with. You must have passed all the tests.

I know that if the tail is shaken violently you should get out of 'lunge distance'. It means that they are angry and about to strike.

Don't let her eat too much cat litter - it totally bunged up my U bend in the bathroom and cost me �40 to get a plumber to un-bung it.

[ruthiebabie]

Hi there - what type of litter are you using i.e. wood based, grit based?

As for the tail lashing - my cats tail lashes all the time - happy or angry and she too lays on it or if we hold her we do it tight so its not lashing at us. Although in most cats its a sign of anger if they do it all the time there's nothing much to worry about other than you can't tell when she is really hacked off with you.

Remember as well despite you getting to grips with her, she's the boss and its her perogative to change routine at random/suddenly refuse to eat food she has previously loved/wake you up at all hours purring loudly and just generally turn the routine of the house around until it suits her just purrrfectly!

[shivvy]

Great answer ruthie.
The litter is grit based - does that help any?

Good to know that her tail isnt too much to worry about. Also, its good to know that she will prob decide to change her appetite whenever she chooses. I had been getting worried when she doesn't eat something that she ate the previous day!

[wolf63]

Felix was on special offer recently and I bough about �70 worth. I was feeling chuffed.

One of my little angels has already started "I don't like this", but they will eat it or eat the dried Iams.

They are pests not pets.

Good luck with your little furry master.

[ruthiebabie]

I think the best thing to do with the litter is to try and deter her if you see her doing it. Cat confidential suggests hissing or making a loud clapping sound with your hand to deter a cat from a certain behaviour. As you will always be around when you put the clean tray down then if you repeat this often enough she may stop doing the behaviour.

Longer term eating the grit can't be good for her tummy - it might be worth mentioning it to the vet.

I often have the discussion with my cat which starts "I don't like these biscuits" I respond with "well you ate them yesterday" - after which a battle of wills ensures which always ends with me offering her a choice of 4 others before she settles on the original ones.

Cats are always the boss and they don't let you forget it.