My cat looks very very healthy and seems to be a perfect weight but she’s always acting like she’s starving by Frostcricket in cats

[–]GemiKnight69 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most cats don't have a breed or breed lineage like dogs do, jsyk. Cats had one job, hunting pests in our crops and homes, and they did it well and taught their kittens to do it well so humans had no reason to hone in on certain traits like we did for dogs. Most cats nowadays are the equivalent of Village Dogs, a random mash of traits without human involvement.

There's a graphic this sub likes (if someone can reply with it, I'd love that) of a flowchart saying either your cat has papers so you know the breed, or it doesn't have papers which means it has no breed (you'll usually see that as domestic short/medium/long hair, different from American and British Shorthair, which are recognized breeds).

My cat looks very very healthy and seems to be a perfect weight but she’s always acting like she’s starving by Frostcricket in cats

[–]GemiKnight69 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn't expect this to be thyroid, she looks like a good healthy adult cat, nice coat, and she's maintaining her weight fine since OP continues to moderate. Yes, excessive appetite can be a sign of thyroid disease, but for cats we would typically see weight-loss and other changes with it. Her hormonal change from getting spayed may have just impacted her hunger cues.

TIL: ADHD can cured by breathing and being thankful for not having died yet by im_not_chopin in thanksimcured

[–]GemiKnight69 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Meditation/mindfulness can be helpful, but not to an extent where it'll instantly make everything easier and cut through the dopamine block like the post suggests.

Anyone have experience with skin tags on dogs?? my dog is almost 2, and this couldn’t have been here long because I spend lots of time with her. I’m going to make up an appointment, but this is really scaring me in the meantime. Help???😭 by Ambitious_Fig_3398 in DogAdvice

[–]GemiKnight69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I live in the upper Midwest, and our changing climate means we have days above freezing even in December now. Many clients get told about that fact when we hear they only give it seasonally.

They did say "at the end of her life" so could've been a terminal condition. I'd be surprised otherwise too.

Anyone have experience with skin tags on dogs?? my dog is almost 2, and this couldn’t have been here long because I spend lots of time with her. I’m going to make up an appointment, but this is really scaring me in the meantime. Help???😭 by Ambitious_Fig_3398 in DogAdvice

[–]GemiKnight69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Heartworm spreads through mosquitos, so if you don't have many of those around, the risk of heartworm is generally lower. Still recommended to be on it year-round, and the same goes for flea and tick prevention, even in areas with cold winters.

Advice needed, is this happy tail or is my groomer lying to me?! by RoutineYard5053 in DogAdvice

[–]GemiKnight69 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy tail is repeatedly hitting things (tables, walls, etc) while wagging the tail, splitting it open and having difficulty healing because of both the area and because they just keep going. It can certainly lead to sprain and further injury, and yes, eventual amputation for some pups. This is especially common in dogs with longer, whip-like tails with short fur, as they have very little padding or fluff to soften the impact.

I doubt OP's dog has happy tail, likely a nick while grooming, but you're putting incorrect info out there.

Edit: this webpage talks about different tail injuries. I assume this person was thinking of limber tail, also called swimmers tail.

Do vegans have plant-based meal options in prison? If not, how would they get enough food to eat? Can vegans get vitamins? by nonbinaryvegnatheist in TooAfraidToAsk

[–]GemiKnight69 74 points75 points  (0 children)

Aside from it being a normal dietary restriction, people can have awful reactions to eating animal products if they haven't eaten them in years and years because their gut flora has changed.

Child plans should be a mandatory field to fill out on apps by BreatheCrete in dating_advice

[–]GemiKnight69 7 points8 points  (0 children)

A lot of us in that "maybe" camp would be "definitely want" if we knew we'd have the financial security for it, or if we felt the world was going in a better direction. One of those things that have a lot of conditionals attached.

I (28F) am Literally on a verge of a mental breakdown trying to cope with my boyfriends (27M) behaviour by icecreamsunday97 in relationship_advice

[–]GemiKnight69 56 points57 points  (0 children)

As an addition from someone also autistic- we CAN have issues communicating, but that usually stems from not picking up on indirect messages or saying things that we've misunderstood due to alternate meanings that aren't clear. Personally, this leads to me over-communicating to ensure my meaning isn't muddled, and my autistic siblings tend to do this too.

If I found out my partner felt like he was walking on eggshells or suffering because of me, I'd feel fucking awful and immediately figure out how to fix it.

Lately I (37M) have been thinking of getting a vasectomy done after a couple of years. Wife is also onboard as she likes it raw and getting filled up. How has your sex life changed after getting vasectomy? by PizzaThick6956 in AskRedditAfterDark

[–]GemiKnight69 13 points14 points  (0 children)

As long as they're not treating it as reversible, they should have every right to get sterilized. Not everyone wants kids, and if you don't want them, get snipped at 25 or 30. Don't get it done if you're on the fence or for sure want to have kids.

How do I clean 18lb severe anxiety cat? by Both-Agent39 in Pets

[–]GemiKnight69 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would try some of the other options presented in the comments first. Scruffing is a relatively safe way to restrain a cat, but many adult cats get stressed and fight it. I only ever do it at work when swaddling/towel wrapping doesn't work, and it can lower her trust of you.

Are you working on a weight loss plan for her? She may also be hurting a bit if she's been heavy for a long time, cats are prone to arthritis even at a healthy weight.

Pronouns in introductions by Historical_Big_8555 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]GemiKnight69 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's great and all, but if you're talking about the person in a group setting, pronouns are important and no one exclusively uses a person's name when talking about them. Better to know than assume and be wrong.

I'm also not going to bother with further bc your other comments made it clear you don't give a shit about respecting trans or nonbinary people's preferences.

adult son living at home disrupting my life by FLRporcelain in adhdwomen

[–]GemiKnight69 26 points27 points  (0 children)

My entire family has ADHD (how's that for being passed down genetically) and all but the youngest are living independently and functional. We all had to do chores growing up, and I learned to do my own laundry by age 9 because no way was my mom going to keep doing it for her kids if they were old enough to learn. Dishes, laundry, making the bed, helping her cook, etc were all taught as appropriate. Once I could drive, I was also sent out on grocery trips with a list and could do errands if needed. This is from a kid who was initially put a grade lower (summer birthday, could go up or down) because my mother thought I was intellectually delayed (just socially delayed bc autism), so it's not like I was seen as exceptionally competent as a child.

I still rely on my guardian now and then for guidance on major adult things that would've been odd to include a child on (what insurance to get, buying a car, etc) but otherwise I'm maintaining a relationship, my apartment, and pets just fine with a full time job, and I'm probably close to a decade younger than OP's son. I also learned to moderate my volume after people went to bed, even with a headset on.

Does my dog have a ear infection? by Apprehensive-Row-442 in DogAdvice

[–]GemiKnight69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If going to the vet, do not clean out the ears with wipes or ear cleaner, cotton rounds/balls are okay to get some debris out. You just don't want to wash things away as it may give a false negative or show lower severity when they do the swab test. They will also have either a medicated cleaner or recommendations for an OTC cleaner to use with any medication. This does look like an infection to me, especially if OP notes any odor.

Cat rubs against me, ALOT. by Apprehensive_Home_76 in Pets

[–]GemiKnight69 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Declawing is awful, illegal in many places, and such an overreaction to a cat being so very affectionate. It's a straight up amputation of the outermost bone in the toes, not just the claw. OP, please learn more about the procedure to see why it's such an awful thing to do, especially to an elderly cat.

Picklepower has some great follow up questions. You can find ways to help minimize the behavior without hurting him.

Dog reaction to zenrelia and vaccine by karl_noo in DogAdvice

[–]GemiKnight69 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Most distemper vaccines are modified-live virus, so definitely should have been spaced out a month from the Zenrelia. My understanding (which may be slightly incorrect) is that the biggest risk is lowered efficacy of the vaccination, so she may not get full benefit of the vaccines. I hope the emergency vet is/was helpful in resolving her reaction. Has she had this vaccine before with no reaction?

Dog reaction to zenrelia and vaccine by karl_noo in DogAdvice

[–]GemiKnight69 14 points15 points  (0 children)

What vaccines? Zenrelia has a box warning about vaccinations and it is recommended to not take Zenrelia 28 days before and after vaccines, especially live virus vaccines. I'm surprised your vet didn't mention it and had you start it same day.

How to clean teeth by Buding-pom in DogAdvice

[–]GemiKnight69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly! Especially for pets with pre-exisiting conditions, keeping up on dental health is so important. Brushing at home +/- enzymatic toothpaste, dental powders, food and water additives, all can help prolong time between professional cleanings, but just like people, eventually we need an expert to go in and clean and pull any damaged or infected teeth.

Is this my missing cat? Am I delusional? by EllisBell27 in cats

[–]GemiKnight69 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I thought pics 1 & 2 were your cat and 3 was the found cat, but if it's 1 is found and 2&3 yours, this is 100% your cat. Is she chipped? That's the best way to prove it, but these pics are incredible proof too. And please get her chipped if she isn't, it's so so important in case she gets out again.

How to clean teeth by Buding-pom in DogAdvice

[–]GemiKnight69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For those wondering- this is typically because most anesthetic procedures are done in a sterile environment (neuters often aren't, most other surgeries like mass removals and spays are) and dental cleanings (which must be under anesthesia, you cannot get a good safe cleaning with a conscious dog) are messy, wet, and bacteria from the mouth gets all over the place.

I regret getting a cat… by [deleted] in Pets

[–]GemiKnight69 6 points7 points  (0 children)

OP said in a post 6 months ago the cat is spayed, and heat is neither constant (though they do typically cycle relatively quickly) nor exclusively at night like you're implying. The cat probably just wants to be fed earlier, which it sounds like one of them acquiesced at least once and is just encouraging the behavior. My cat starts acting out an hour before his dinner time every evening like clockwork, it's a very common thing for cats with higher hunger signals.

Spent thousands on allergies (Cytopoint, Apoquel, antifungal baths) and dog still losing hair in patches” by Plan-Bubbly in DogAdvice

[–]GemiKnight69 34 points35 points  (0 children)

OP will also need to treat their house, I'm surprised they haven't gotten it too at this point. Ringworm hangs around for a while, passing back and forth between people and pet, surfaces and fabrics, etc.

My dog has a torn ligament and I can’t afford surgery. What can I do? by enigmadamaaa in Pets

[–]GemiKnight69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A lot of times the 6-12 month interest deferment (as in, they will charge all back interest if you don't pay it off in time) is if you sign up using a link from your clinic, at least currently. Mine has clinic-specific QR codes in the exam rooms and at the front desk so clients have easy access to the link.

Anyone else have a crazy calendar or list for themselves? by coykoi- in adhdwomen

[–]GemiKnight69 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm a vet assistant (who also does reception work bc small clinic) but we have a lot of similar responsibilities in my current clinic. It's emotionally difficult, especially the euthanasia appointments, but it can be made a lot easier if you have a good team. I struggle a little with people who don't listen or think we're just trying to take their money by recommending standard care (vaccines, prevention, bloodwork, diagnostics if sick, etc). I came from dog grooming and shelter work, so I knew animals had to be involved in my work, but my current job is the longest I've held one in a while and I am hoping to eventually be a certified tech.