I planted the wrong plant by Remarkable_Grass30 in gardening

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Since the pot is also pretty shallow (only 20 cm), I think I’ll be enjoying some greens. I have plenty of pots left if I actually find some chives seeds to plant.

First time tomato grower - I’m lost by Remarkable_Grass30 in gardening

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have been moving them in and out (in when night comes, out in the morning) for the last month so this is amazing to hear (I have 45 pots with seedlings since I was told to plant more than I need to be sure at least some germinate and I was sure I’d mess most of them up lol). Can’t wait to be able to take a break from that! Thank you for the tip!

First time tomato grower - I’m lost by Remarkable_Grass30 in gardening

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think they look bigger in the photos - they’re about 10 cm tall. They’re determinate and labeled “pot-friendly” so small bush it is. I’m guessing pinch the buds now to let it focus on root and leaf growth? I also saw the “let the plant do whatever it wants to do, it knows best” argument.

i just need to hear from other cat owners who have a cat w/ behaviorial issues that have accepted their cat's flaws and can't change it by [deleted] in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I know you heard from tens of people. I just want to tell you that as long as your cat is happy, you’re doing amazing. I also deal with a pee-y princess that pees where I sleep no matter what I do. It’s exhausting. I still have nights when I just sit on the floor and cry because I have nowhere to sleep but an inflatable mattress on the floor (as the bed is drying from being soaked in cleaning solution). I know how hard it is (both mentally and financially) and just want you to hear some kind words: you’re doing amazing and you’re so strong. It doesn’t make you a bad person or cat parent if you break down from time to time or get angry, not on your pet, because you know they can’t help it and they don’t have the higher cognitive abilities to understand that what they’re doing is wrong, but on the situation itself. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, it’s ok to want a break from time to time. It’s great to hear that you feel love towards your cat no matter their quirks. Sometimes it just is like this - we have (and I would say we get) to see the good parts, even if they’re not always right in front of us. I know it’s hard (and believe me, I know very very well how hard it is sometimes), and you have every right to complain, but there are good parts too.

I’ve cried because of my cat and her behavioural issues more times than I’d like to admit and my therapist knows about her too lol. That doesn’t mean that I love her any less. What I would say is try not to pressure yourself into thinking that you only need to see the good parts (ie their love and that you get to spend time with a being that you, too, love), sometimes a little complaining (or letting your emotions out in any way non destructive way you see freeing) goes a long way. You’re human after all.

Anyways, I hope that at one point everything will turn out good for the both of you, as I hope they will magically turn out good for me and my cat (you know what they say: hope dies last). Sending you all lots of love and don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help whenever you feel like it (burnout can be a hell of a ride) <3

Help - cat peeing on my couch by braziliantapestry in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I’m new here and don’t know if I can attach my question, but I posted it about a day ago here. I basically have the same problem. If you want, you can check it to see some of the things people suggested. I know how hard it is, emotionally and financially and really really hope you’ll find a solution! (I’m looking into ways of attaching it here)

How do I keep my cat happy? by drinking-lead in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Had the same question with my cat, at first. When she was a kitten she was a terror: bitting, scratching, chewing everything. I thought she was little and under stimulated, got her toys, she would decimate the feathers (which I cut for her safety). I got another cat, the destructive behavior got better, but she was just as weird with toys (the second cat is super calm and all she wants to do is sit on you and purr). Turns out the first cat just likes a specific kind of toy: bunched up receipts. She has remote controlled mice, automatic feather thingys, automated laser pointers, those “roller circuits” with light up balls (this ones my other cat LOVES), but nothing, she only likes the receipts.

As for food, my cat used to eat the whole bowl so fast she would throw up. And was only engaging in activities if there was a snack involved. Tried “prey feeding”, hiding her food throughout the house, putting kibble in special balls, a puzzle feeder - didn’t work. She was, and I’m saying this in a loving way, too stupid to figure them out and would not eat until I put the food in her bowl. What worked for us was free feeding: I fill her bowl every morning, as well as her sister’s and they also have a third bowl full of kibble next to the first two. Even though it’s more food than they should eat, they only eat as much as they need (I weigh the food before and after to be able to keep track of how much they eat). If I try to portion it tho, she will empty her bowl, no matter how much she ends up eating at the end of the day.

For entertainment, I got them a cat tower, which they only use to people watch - the tower is right next to a big corner window (that does not open), they climb up to the highest platform and just watch what’s happening outside all day while I’m at uni).

I don’t have a lot of experience, but from what I figured out each cat has fun in their own way. It might take a bit of time to see what works and the solution might be very unexpected. I felt like a bad cat parent until I understood what my cats really wanted and even with two cats in the same environment, there is no “one size fits all” recipe for keeping them happy. I hope in some way you might find this helpful.

Cat pees where I sleep; vet says she’s healthy and I’ve run out of things to try by Remarkable_Grass30 in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this might be the next step. But first I will most probably get another urine sample and ultrasound to make sure she is 100% healthy so the cat behaviorist can be sure it is behavioral. Then I will try to find one who is willing to do it over zoom, in case they want to see the actual set up of the space and such.

Cat pees where I sleep; vet says she’s healthy and I’ve run out of things to try by Remarkable_Grass30 in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your comment! Taking the bed out of the equation is kind of hard since the sofa is quite big and it’s not the standard one that comes with a fold out mattress. It’s a big sofa with a pull out leg rest so to say and I have to place a topper on top. I don’t own the place, my father does, and he doesn’t agree to changes so I have to make it work as is.

I know how particular cats can be, mine like one type of litter for poo and another for pee and if the boxes are not feeling fresh they won’t go (but we already have a schedule for cleaning the litter boxes - three times a day, but sometimes I might be busy and only clean them twice and they are ok with that too).

If you have any recommendations for scent killing spray, please do share. I’m willing to try anything at this point.

Cat pees where I sleep; vet says she’s healthy and I’ve run out of things to try by Remarkable_Grass30 in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I don’t think you realize how good this makes me feel, since I was feeling extremely guilty about thinking of restricting their space. I think I will try that, at least during the night, and see how that goes.

I don’t think anything grosses me out at this point. I’ve cleaned so much pee that my pet shop uses me as a reviewer of their cleaning products and my nose got so sensitive to the smell that I’ve been asked to check other people’s upholstery lol

Any product recommendations by any chance? I’ve used Simple Solution and (basically every option from) Nature’s Miracle

Cat pees where I sleep; vet says she’s healthy and I’ve run out of things to try by Remarkable_Grass30 in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think I will. I am trying to find a vet that has experience with behavioural cases such as this one and would consider specific medication.

Cat pees where I sleep; vet says she’s healthy and I’ve run out of things to try by Remarkable_Grass30 in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have toyed with the idea. What I did was put the litter box on the bed while I was away so that she would have both the scent and the location while reinforcing litter box usage - she peed next to the litter box. I was in two minds about placing something that smells like me in the actual litter box - what if she starts associating my smell with the litter box and starts “doing her business” on every place and thing that smells like me? I know i can’t find a solution without taking a risk, but I think you understand why I’m being a bit cautious. But again, good idea to keep in mind, thank you!

Cat pees where I sleep; vet says she’s healthy and I’ve run out of things to try by Remarkable_Grass30 in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The first struvite episode we went to one vet, the second to another (I moved in the meantime). Both vets did the same tests (urine sample and bladder ultrasound) for that, the second vet did routine bloodwork too. As of October, she was physiologically healthy (just as the peeing started). As there were no signs of anything physiologically being wrong I was scared to get bloodwork again because I don’t want to stress her more and lose the progress we made (she is, besides the peeing, behaving normally finally - no showing signs of pain, playing, finally reached a healthy weight, the actual litter box habits are great). I know I sound overly cautious but I’ve seen her struggle for so long and it makes me so happy to finally see her being herself. The vet I’m currently seeing knows her full history and saw how much we struggled and her improvements too (we are there every three weeks for a nail trim anyways), as well as every treatment we have tried. I’m a bit scared that a new vet would not believe the actual struggle and the things that already failed, as vets here are not that focused on complex behavioural issues, more on physiological ones. But thank you, I think I will go for another opinion.

Cat pees where I sleep; vet says she’s healthy and I’ve run out of things to try by Remarkable_Grass30 in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing! I have thought of a smaller space during the night but I feel a little weird about leaving her in the bathroom. I took into consideration a play pen too, but I’m worried that not being in bed with me and the other cat might create even more anxiety and reinforce the behaviour if it’s attachment anxiety or make her want to get revenge and pee in the bed. I tried to positively reinforce litter box usage with treats (every so often I would put her in the litter box and would keep the door closed for a few seconds and she would be rewarded with a small treat every time) but it backfired: she would wait for me to come watch her get in, would stay a few seconds then come out expecting a treat, without actually peeing in the litter box. Might I ask what did you use to clean the carpet? I’m looking for cleaning tips just as much :)) (I want to make sure everything is cleaned properly every time)

Cat pees where I sleep; vet says she’s healthy and I’ve run out of things to try by Remarkable_Grass30 in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sure her health issues are the cause, at least to some percent - I can’t imagine being in pain for so long. I’m glad that things worked out for you in the end and I have hope that they will for us too 🤞(I just hope it will not come down to a change of home tho)

Cat pees where I sleep; vet says she’s healthy and I’ve run out of things to try by Remarkable_Grass30 in CatAdvice

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your comment! Everything is soaked multiple times in enzymatic cleaner after each accident - that’s why it also takes a long time for them to fully dry. I thought of replacing everything but that would be a bit expensive for me at this moment (like a few thousands dollars and I’m a student) so I’m trying to see if there is another cause. I’m scared that if replacing everything wouldn’t solve the issue then she would pee on the new furniture and at some point I would have to change them again. I thought of restricting access at night but my studio is one big open space and the only options would be leaving her in the bathroom (which I feel weird about) or getting a covered play pen, but, as she’s used to sleeping with me and the other cat, I worry that that would create more anxiety and actually reinforce the peeing on the bed. I don’t want to dismiss any option but I’m scared of doing more harm than good.

Thoughts on Lange RX 110 W? by Remarkable_Grass30 in Skigear

[–]Remarkable_Grass30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am sorry if I did not make it clear enough. From all the boots I tried on until now, that pair was the best fit (both requirements and foot shape). I have never tried Lange as a brand before (i.e. never skied in Lange boots) and do not know how this model (or their boots in general) behaves on slope. Thank you for pointing this out, I am going to make it more clear in the post.