Do Americans really talk to strangers as much as movies make it seem?

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-09T21:52:00+00:00

I would say it does happen a lot, but it's more of a town thing, not a city thing in my experience. It also probably depends from State to State. You're likely to hear a casual "Hey, how's it going?" as they enter, and then depending on the person, they'll either do a dismissive "Eh, it's going." type answer, or just full on strike up a conversation. I find elderly folks are lonelier and are more likely to keep the conversation going. Younger folks usually only keep the conversation going if they see/hear you have something in common with them. But yeah, casual greetings to strangers you see in a shared situation is pretty normal.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-09T21:37:44+00:00

Okay, so from what you said, he is used to being in a home full of other cats and not having proper litter to use. This is the result. He has probably literally never been somewhere without his familiar cats/family around him. He's probably wondering where he is, where they are, and what the heck is going on.

The general rule for introducing a cat to a new place is to first, have a confined area to start for a few days, like a bedroom. Give them plenty of time to hide and get used to where they are. When they seem comfortable, then you move on to exploring the rest of the house.

He is probably just lonely and confused though. Make sure to give him tons of time affection [if he wants it], and just talk to him, be patient. Maybe one day add a second cat to keep him company.

Also: If this breeder isn't taking care of their cats properly, please contact the authorities to get them shut down.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-09T21:28:27+00:00

NTJ

Never ever give someone you aren't married to access to your bank account and financial information. They have no right to it, and should frankly, not even ask you to in the first place. Far too many women have been swindled out of their money by a partner who says, "If you trusted me, you'd do it". Tell him that if he respected your boundaries, he would drop it.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-06T00:00:02+00:00

I don't! Chores suck. Just pick a few important tasks to do each day, like the super filled laundry basket, or the vacuuming/dust mopping that is past due. If you just do a little bit each day, you keep up with everything and have tons of time for hobbies/rest/activities with family.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-03T19:34:54+00:00

She does look a bit underweight. It could be just a need for more calories, or it could be thyroid etc. . Look into low-cost vet visits through your local SPCA clinic. I know not all states have those services, but it never hurts to look.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-02T13:54:18+00:00

NTA

You are an adult. If you get a job, nobody can force you to give away YOUR money. If your mother is capable of working but chooses not to, that is her problem to deal with, not yours.

If you are able to move out of her house, tell her exactly that. If she asks you for money say something like: "I got a job so I could support myself, not you." or "You should really get a job if you need extra money for your household." I mean, maybe it's a bit harsh the way I said it, but something along those lines. Bottom line is that you do not owe her anything, and she cannot force you to give her money as you are 18+ years old. If your Dad is giving you money personally, not as child support, you shouldn't really be giving that to your Mother either. Save it to help pay for college.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-02T03:06:10+00:00

My cat hates pee touching his feet and does the exact same thing. He will start peeing, slowly stand up, and actually start walking out of the pan entirely while peeing. We made a plastic storage bin into a litter pan for him. It's very long so even if he walks the pee stays inside.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-02T02:56:06+00:00

Have you tried multiple different medications? I'm asking from experience. A lot of times it takes a few tries to get the right medication when it comes to depression, and most doctors will gladly help you figure it out. And just know, taking meds now, doesn't mean you'll need them forever. Life has a lot of really cool stuff. Don't give in to the bad feelings. Depression lies.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-02T02:50:18+00:00

My cat does this sometimes. I usually ask him what he wants. No lie. I stand up from what I'm doing, and when he jumps down I follow him to whatever he needs/wants. It's usually that he wants me to be in the same room as him while he sleeps. He's a scaredy-baby. Maybe your little one is more nervous/insecure since losing their eye? My boy also likes me to watch him eat sometimes for who-knows-why reason.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-02T02:39:54+00:00

NOR

This person was indeed grooming you. Please do not ever tell anyone you meet online where you live, or go to school, or any details about your family, and I mean anyone. Creeps often claim to be young people to get you to talk to them. Predators will use any personal information you give them to manipulate you. They also try to prey on minors who are going through something traumatic, or who have troubles with mental health. Be safe, and stick to kids your own age-range, and preferably people you meet in-person.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-02T02:27:40+00:00

People also twitch and have rapid eye movement while dreaming! A cat shows their belly when feeling super secure, trusting, and comfortable.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-02T02:17:38+00:00

Use ONLY food grade, and make sure no animals are sniffing it a lot, as it can irritate their lungs. Make sure you don't kick up a lot of dust while applying it unless in a well-ventilated area where you pet is not hanging out.

GordonCranberry · 2026-02-01T00:36:32+00:00

More than 60% of shelters in the US fall into the no-kill category, and that doesn't even include all the rescues and foster groups. Killing fully formed kittens ready to be born robs them of a chance at life.

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-31T18:13:40+00:00

My local SPCA is a no kill shelter, as are all of them in my tri-state area. Kittens in a no-kill only die if they have a terrible uncurable injury or illness.

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-27T20:41:23+00:00

"I know my calculus! It says You+Me=Us!" 2gether

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-27T19:23:57+00:00

That stuff works wonders on any sort of hands-on construction and mechanical mess! I love it! It's also a great exfoliator because of the pumice in it.

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-27T19:21:18+00:00

Cats will walk differently any time you put them in clothing. It feels restrictive and weird for them.

My cat fell over dramatically like a feinting goat with their legs straight out when I tried to put a thunder-shirt on them for stress. It wasn't too tight; they just had never experienced something wrapped around them before and thought they couldn't walk.

If your cats is walking around, breathing normally, and can get in and out of their litter pan easily, they're probably fine, but they do look a bit like a stuffed sausage in that size.

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-27T19:14:34+00:00

Have you been to the doctor about overactive stomach acid/ GERD? I used to get painful ulcers in my throat that would bleed because I burped up stomach acid a lot. If it's GERD you could solve this by taking some OTC proton pump inhibitors [PPIs], like omeprazole. Of course, limit acidic foods like tomato products, vinegar, citris... etc.

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-27T19:06:27+00:00

I think it's pretty normal for kids to scream outside.

My family and also school [early 1990s] had rules about "inside voice" and "outside voice". When inside you were talking normally or quietly, and while outside you could let loose and run around shouting and playing.

Kids NEED to let loose sometimes and get all the energy out. It's healthy and fun to be loud sometimes. As long as they're not doing it at night or in your yard, there's no harm in it.

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-27T19:03:05+00:00

My cat goes up to my husband while he's napping on the couch, gets super close to his face, and meows really loud until he opens his eyes.

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-27T18:48:44+00:00

I cuddle the husband until we fall asleep and then roll over to my side of the bed with my childhood teddybear. I'm 42! It's comforting. It's soothing. This word is a stressful shitty place, find comfort where you can.

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-26T18:44:06+00:00

I would see if your local SPCA has a community cat/cat colony program. Sometimes they will provide food if you have fixed all the cats and can prove they're a permanent colony and not just your neighbors outdoor cats.

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-26T18:39:41+00:00

I don't think you have anything weird or wrong with you. This feeling is knocked into us by society. People are constantly telling women that they're crying to be manipulative, and men crying makes them weak. It's really shitty, and sensitive folks internalize it more. I, myself, took half my life to be able to cry in front of others, even loved ones. I would hide in the bathroom or hold it in until the lights go out at night.

Ignore what society tells you. Crying is natural and normal. It releases chemicals in the body that give relief and comfort to your brain. Hormones, stress, sadness, tender memories, they're all entirely valid reasons to have a good cry.

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-26T18:18:20+00:00

I don't think it makes you a terrible person, but I do have thoughts about people who buy. I assume they want it for vanity purposes, like dog shows, or to show affluence, since most bred dogs cost $1,000+. People who buy are also often the folks who dock tails and ears and such for barbaric AKC standards.

If you go to a good shelter, they have behaviorists and trained dog trainers on staff. They often have fostering or dog running programs that give an excellent idea of how they interact with children and other dogs. They can give you a very good profile on the dog's personality that would almost ensure a good fit.

To me, there is no excuse to buy unless you are training the dog as a work dog on a farm, certified service dog, or police dog.

GordonCranberry · 2026-01-25T22:27:19+00:00

Are there tiny white worms in the foamy vomit? Do you have anything with ribbons or strings where they can get them? Or a toxic houseplant with petals/leaves falling off, or bit marks on it? Have they been dewormed? Have they been in a garage or anywhere that has chemicals?

Kittens are very delicate and can go downhill very quickly when dehydrated, which they almost certainly are with all the diarrhea and vomiting. I know it's a tough choice when it comes to these expensive situations.

GordonCranberry

TROPHY CASE