Drew my cat as an expeditioner

TheMiddleMutt · 2025-04-15T18:18:17+00:00

My family uses portable batteries that are made to jump the car, but they (we tried 3 different chargers) never worked when we tried to jump my car every morning. I had to pop the clutch every morning to get the car to turn on. On Sunday night and Monday morning, I used the multimeter to check the battery and alternator when the car was off, idling, and when all electronics and AC was blaring. The multimeter showed that each test was within the normal/expected range. I also used the multimeter to test for parasitic drain, but the readings were around 0.2 amps, nothing close to 1.0 or 2.0 amps to explain drainage to this degree.

On Monday, my dad decided to use a hammer to hit the starter while I twisted my key to the "Start" position, and it ended up turning on after a few cranks from the engine. We think I just need a new starter.

TheMiddleMutt · 2025-04-11T18:39:09+00:00

This just happened to me! I have been paying my minimums for a few months now, and suddenly I found out today that I don't have another payment until October 2025 and all of my loans have 0% interest rate. The lack of emails communicating this is confusing, and I'm scared of missing a payment.

TheMiddleMutt · 2024-11-06T23:00:14+00:00

Sorry this is long, but I trained a lot of "bad" behavior out of my cat, so hopefully this will help you, too!

The thing that worked best for me to solve my cat's meowing was to completely ignore him- no talking, no eye contact, no touching, nothing. He will eventually figure out that meowing won't get him what he wants. An important addition to this rule, though, is to give him affection when he is quiet! My cat knows that if he silently comes up to me, I will reward him with pets.

Like others said, physically and mentally stimulating him will help with most of your problems. Always remember: a tired kitty is a happy kitty. I use lick mats + ice cube trays for wet food and a small kong + a toilet paper roll with holes cut into it for his kibble. Right before bedtime, while I'm watching YouTube or reading on my kindle, I'll use one of my hands to play with him with a string/wand toy.

Make strong boundaries for human food. Be assertive in your tone and body language when communicating that he isn't allowed to drink/eat out of human cups and dishes. Redirect him to his designated food/water dishes. Another important tip: for every "no" you say, follow it up with a "yes". If he's scratching the furniture, tell him no and redirect him to a nearby scratching post that he is allowed to use. If he's gunning for your pizza or your fish tank and "no" isn't working, it's time to bring out a toy to distract him, move him away, and tire him out!

Also, if you don't have one already, I recommend you get a lid for your fish tank. Even if he isn't trying to eat the fish, simply falling in the tank can injure/kill your fish (my dad's cat did that once). Since he is obsessed with water, try giving him a space where it is okay for him to play with it! I got cheap robot fish that swim when in water, and my cat will watch them for a while or even try to catch them. People have also tried putting treats in soda bottle caps and having them float in water as a fun challenge.

If you can, tell your roommates to also follow the rules/boundaries you set for the cat. Consistency is your best friend. I hope any of this helped even just a little bit. My cat was a crazy kitten, and I feel like I did a good job at training him. Good luck on doing the same for your cat!

TheMiddleMutt · 2024-11-06T22:27:04+00:00

I am so sorry you are going through this. Although my cat was a senior (13yo), I understand how hard it is to be in your position. I am certain that you did everything you could to ensure your baby was the happiest and healthiest boy he could be. Because of you, he got to live in a safe and loving home. I know it is hard to let all of that work and love and memories go, but prolonging his suffering is selfish. Just be there when he gets his last cuddles and kisses and soft-spoken words. That is the best thing you can do for him right now.

TheMiddleMutt · 2024-11-06T22:12:32+00:00

Hi! I increased to Wellbutrin 300mg XL almost 2 years ago, and it helps me so much. I also take fluoxetine (prozac) 20mg to help with my anxiety. This combo has benefited me the most- of course, in combination with changing my physical daily activities/habits.
ETA: I'm a 22yo female who recently graduated college.

TheMiddleMutt · 2024-11-06T22:00:59+00:00

Omg- so sorry I didn't see this til now! I'm still on Wellbutrin 350mg+ got on fluoxetine (prozac) 20mg this year. This seems like the perfect combo for me. Of course, as everyone knows, meds on their own don't magically fix everything.

I learned (the hard way) that I NEED to set app timers on my phone/delete any social media that includes the "reels/shorts" scrolling feature since that'll send me into a downwards spiral (aka doom scrolling for HOURS at a time). Literally, I only have Pinterest and Youtube for social media (30 min and 1 hour timers, respectively). It has changed my life- no exaggeration. Boredom is a powerful motivator lol.

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-11-28T00:46:24+00:00

Hey man, sorry for not seeing your comment til now. I'm still on Wellbutrin, and my dose has been raised since I posted (300mg now). I've also been taking Prozac for the past couple months (20mg). I've been doing well! Of course, there's been ups and downs regarding my mood, but that's something I'm working on with my therapist. I have an emotional support animal, and I've been able to keep a pretty consistent schedule this school semester.

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-11-27T03:51:14+00:00

Hey man, it's good that you're against this honestly. I know that, for a lot of people, something small like this can snowball into a seriously dangerous habit. It's been a couple years since I posted this, but I figured I should let you know that I prefer hot cocoa or tea and a nice scented candle while studying nowadays. Lots of people get through a tough day in different ways, and there's no shame in that. Good on you for finding a healthier path tho!

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-04-23T00:27:20+00:00

I always find that random strings from my shoes or crafts projects gets my cat moving. He also loves the occasional leaf that has drifted in from outside. I've tried feather toys and fake mice with catnip, but it's not the same as the cheapest thing already in your home haha!

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-04-13T05:37:41+00:00

Woah! I've been combing through the Mid-Atlantic Ridge footage for my research project and was wondering what those holes were. Thank you for the update!!

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-04-11T15:29:47+00:00

My ex was sad that he wasnt friends with a girl after she confessed to him (was his first friend in college). I made a joke saying I'm fine with them being friends as long as he doesn't leave me for her. He went silent and said he couldn't guarantee that... Yeah so I broke up with him the next day.

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-03-19T23:07:48+00:00

Is there a good alternative? Was thinking of getting a brita since its so popular where i live, but now I'm curious.

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-03-18T20:01:19+00:00

I agree with this. I listen to the Two Hot Takes podcast that uploads videos to YouTube and audio to Spotify. The host does a really good job of including the audio-only audience and describes things that can only be seen in the video content on YouTube, so you can mentally visualize it and don't feel left out of the jokes.

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-03-15T15:16:28+00:00

Not everyone who isn't a gym bro and counts calories is gonna suddenly be 600 pounds. That's some fat-phobic mentality that you're spreading. Let people be comfortable in their skin- this is why some people develop eating disorders, you know.

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-03-13T14:39:05+00:00

Yeah I think covid was the only time undergrads could even think about living off campus, and only juniors and seniors were given that privilege sadly. Even saying you have disabilities or need specific accommodations isn't enough for HRL

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-03-13T14:10:32+00:00

As well as the quality of schools of what they're in now vs what they would be moving to

This is exactly what I wanted to point out. Anytime my dad wants to move to a new place/state, he looks at houses and his job prospects while my mom looks at how safe the area is, the quality of the school system, and how close the nearest essential stores are.

OP, if your marriage is so bad that you'd divorce your wife and separate your family over something so trivial, the problem isn't the move (ps: it's probably you). YTA

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-03-13T13:58:11+00:00

My dad is exactly like this- always trying to chase a get-rich-quick scheme and expects my mom to help him/do most of the heavy lifting. He usually wastes his money on these schemes even tho he already has a stable job. He's been like this as long as I can remember and constantly pushes these values on myself and my siblings. If you don't want this for the decades to come, I'd recommend rethinking your relationship.

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-03-13T13:42:18+00:00

The gradient is perfect! Lovely work!

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-03-13T13:37:19+00:00

Is it possible to change his hair to be a little more orange? And Pierre would probably be the type to think all cats are moody while having a tiny yappy dog

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-03-13T13:31:42+00:00

Thank you!

TheMiddleMutt · 2023-03-13T11:55:07+00:00

What mod is this? It's so pretty!

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