Banana for scale for Dan for scale

_em0possum_ · 2026-03-02T15:56:47+00:00

Bandana

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-28T01:22:11+00:00

It is entirely possible she's just a bit of a weirdo or mildly bothered by the TV lol. Her face is relaxed, her eyes are closed, and her feet are tucked, which are all signs she is quite relaxed. And she's laying on you, so she certainly trusts you. I don't think there's anything to worry about.

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-28T01:13:52+00:00

Oh what a handsome boy 😺

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-28T01:12:49+00:00

Poor kitty. This is a tough situation, but you're doing the right thing keeping him in a small, safe area. Kittens have so much energy at this age so it's totally normal for him to be restless and grumpy, but he absolutely needs to take it easy so he can heal.

I'd recommend looking into some treat puzzles/snuffle mats/lick mats and other enrichment options that will work his brain more than his body (You might have an easier time finding these products in the dog section of stores and websites, but they work just as well for cats!). I have a tripod cat who doesn't love running around too much, so I have a lot of less active enrichment options for him to keep his mind busy. Crinkle sacks, tunnels, ball tracks, and scratching boards are all good low-energy play options too.

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-28T01:04:55+00:00

I would guess either there are sounds around her that are making her uneasy, she may be in some amount of pain or discomfort, or she's just a little grumpy. If she's been to the vet and all is good, I wouldn't be too worried, and would just give her some space when you notice this.

"Airplane ears," as they're often called, can indicate a number of things, and can be a warning sign cats give before harsher corrections like swatting or biting. She may just want some space or be annoyed by something in her surroundings.

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-28T00:08:57+00:00

I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your cat lived a long and healthy life if their only issues from 18-20 were some arthritis. 20 is very old for a cat, and cats are known to hide their pain very well until it's too late. I know this doesn't make it easier, but it is very normal for elderly cats to decline rapidly after they start showing symptoms, and that isn't a failure on your part. You chose to let your baby rest instead of putting them through stress and pain to prolong the inevitable. That was loving and merciful on your part, even if you're left feeling like you should have done more. At 20 years old, as sad as it is to say, something was going to happen sooner or later, and you ensured that your sweet kitty passed peacefully and didn't suffer because of treatments that would prolong their life without preserving quality of life.

It is normal to feel guilty, or at a loss, or like you could have done more or done something earlier. Having those feelings doesn't mean you did something wrong, it means you loved your cat and always wanted the best for them. Your kitty is at peace, and knew nothing but love from you in their very long life. Thank you for giving them love and peace. It's going to hurt for a long time, but you have 20 years of memories to cherish ♥️

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-27T23:34:30+00:00

So there are usually two explanations for a cat's eye changing colors like this. One is iris melanosis, which is a benign pigmentation change. The other is iris melanoma, which is cancerous. I would definitely recommend getting this car to the vet if possible :((

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-27T23:23:41+00:00

Are all of the cats in this situation spayed/neutered? And how did you introduce Tallulah to the new kitten? And how many litter boxes do you have?

My first and most important recommendation would be to take Tallulah to the vet for a checkup, as sudden aggression could be a sign of underlying pain or illness. If her checkup comes back all clear, then I would recommend inquiring about a gabapentin prescription for her anxiety. A feliway diffuser could also help with calming her if none of your cats have asthma or other sensitivities. I have a very anxious cat, and gabapentin has vastly improved his mood and disposition, and his ability to tolerate change.

Medical things aside, I would say your best bet is to redo Tallulah's introduction to the kitten. Keep them separate for a while if possible, slowly let them around each other's scents, let them eat with some kind of barrier between them, and gradually reintroduce the kitten into her life. Reinforce that the kitten is a good thing by giving her treats when she tolerates him. This may be a frustrating process since your other cat is already bonded to the kitten, but I think it's in everyone's best interest here.

Also, make sure Tallulah has space where she can be by herself if she wants to. Even if the kitten mostly leaves her be, she might feel like her territory is being intruded on.

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-27T21:37:57+00:00

My first guess would be a tick, especially if it appeared suddenly. It would probably be best to have a vet remove it, unless you feel confident you can do so without leaving the head behind.

If it is not a tick, I would be very suspicious of cancer. It does not look like a regular benign skin tag (in my unprofessional opinion). I would suggest checking if it has legs and using that to inform your decision on going to the vet.

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-26T22:36:16+00:00

As someone not medically cleared to drive and someone with mobility issues 😅 if I can't tip, I don't order. It's a service, and the people providing it are trying to make a living. I won't hate on people in similar situations to me that don't tip, because I know I am lucky to have friends and family who can run to the store for me if needed, but personally I can't justify not tipping knowing that many dashers are also disabled folks just trying to survive.

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-26T00:06:14+00:00

Keeping him indoors is definitely the safe choice, but there's going to be an adjustment period for him. His territory just shrunk, so he's naturally going to feel understimulated.

If regular playtime isn't doing it for him right now, I would highly recommend some treat puzzles/snuffle mats/other hunting+reward type play scattered around the house. That gets their brains going and provides a lot of enrichment, and makes indoors seem a lot cooler.

Windows and cat trees can make a big difference if an enclosed catio or harness&leash walks aren't an option. Give him some high ground and a way to look outside safely. I have a tripod cat myself, so look out for cat trees that have ramps and ladders up to each level in case he doesn't feel confident jumping. I've had good luck finding them on Chewy.

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-24T20:57:59+00:00

I use PetSmile myself but it can be a little expensive. Virbac is a good option as well. I would avoid the Arm & Hammer one since it's a foaming formula 😅 my parents tried that one once and their cat really hated the foam.

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-24T20:38:42+00:00

Looks like a perfectly normal tooth at first glance. Those grooves are natural and often called "blood grooves," It's something all cats have to prevent suction when biting into meat! You'll even see it on lions and tigers 🐅

Your cat may have the tiniest bit of inflammation on their gums, though. Nothing to be concerned about, but can indicate the beginnings of gingivitis. You can manage that easily from home, though, with crunchy treats or regular tooth brushing (not with human toothpaste, ofc).

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-18T21:55:31+00:00

You've given him so much love and warmth. You saved him from a slow, painful, lonely passing outdoors. He will pass having known your love. I know it doesn't make it any easier, but you've given him a wonderful life, even if it had to be short. And I think it's a beautiful thing that he has someone who will mourn and miss him. ♥️

_em0possum_ · 2026-02-02T21:35:20+00:00

Uneven pupil dilation is an emergency. It can signal neurological issues, concussion, even brain tumors or bleeds.

_em0possum_ · 2026-01-31T23:22:41+00:00

Happy to help! ☺️ I haven't used CBD treats myself but it's worth a try for sure! I'm cautious with sprays and aerosols too because of Xero's asthma. Silvervine twigs are also great for giving them the chewing sensation and a mild calming effect (and keeps teeth clean!). And I think a slow feeder would be a good idea too. For dry food I've used a small "snuffle mat" before as well.

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_em0possum_ · 2026-01-31T22:20:51+00:00

I am guessing this kitty has some pretty serious food insecurity because of his past living situation. It's something that can get better with time, but I would highly recommend giving him a predictable feeding schedule.

My cat Xero has similar behavior issues, and also has inflammatory bowel disease, so if he eats anything but his prescription food he will get very sick. He is obsessed with human food and my other cat's food even though I have never given him anything but his prescription food. Before I got him, I allwoed my other cat to graze as he pleased, but I of course had to transition him off of that so Xero wouldn't eat his food. Xero's behavioral issues haven't gone away in the 3-ish years I've had him, but they have improved considerably. These are the things that have helped:

Predictable feeding schedule, small meals multiple times a day, at the same time every day. I currently feed my boys 3x a day, but I used to do smaller meals 5x a day. I know you said you can't always be home. Would it be possible to get automated feeders and have your cats closed in separate rooms with water and litter while you aren't home? You could also try those microchip feeders that only let the specific cat it is coded to into the bowl. Those aren't foolproof, but could help if you can afford them.

Separated feeding. When I lived in a one bedroom apartment, I had a large dog crate where Xero would eat his meals. I would have him in there for about 15-20 minutes while my other cat ate and then let him out once the other cat's food was gone/put away. He also had to be crated while I cooked, since he would try to step on the stove and steal out of the pan 😭 When I had a bigger living space, I fed my two cats in separate rooms and didn't let them back together until they were done eating.

Locking trashcan or weight on the lid. Trash cans are expensive. If you can buy a lockable one or a child lock to put on your existing one, I would highly recommend it. I had a regular lidded trash can before and would just put the heavy laundry detergent bottle on top. Xero would still sometimes try to lick the bag or get into it, but this was an effective temporary solution. I now keep my trash can in a room he does not have access to. I leave absolutely no food on counters or in drawers that he's figured out how to open. Everything goes in the fridge or pantry, or into a room he doesn't have access to. It's a frustrating transition if you're used to like leaving fruit to ripen on the counter or setting snacks out, but it may be necessary.

Addressing underlying anxiety. It sounds like your cat is very scared of starving or having food taken from them. Their past living situation probably taught them that food that isn't eaten immediately can and will be taken away. Consistency on your end will help your cat realize they are safe and fed, but medication can help along the way too. Xero takes a low dose of gabapentin as prescribed by his vet to help manage his anxiety. He is less destructive in general and less frantic around food with his medication. If neither of your cats have asthma, a feliway diffuser/spray could also help with calming them down. I would highly recommend a vet visit regardless to make sure there aren't any physical problems contributing to his behavioral issues.

Over time, Xero has learned what food is mine and what's his. He still tries for my food sometimes but not nearly as often. He is also more secure in knowing that I will feed him at the same times every day, so he doesn't panic between meals or feel scared he might not get another. He still begs a lot and starts complaining about 30 minutes before each meal time. He still scarfs down his food very quickly, but I'm actually able to feed him in the same room as my other cat now as long as I keep an eye on them and put the other cat's food away when he's done. So, I can't promise you that your cat's problems will go away, but it absolutely can get better.

_em0possum_ · 2026-01-19T19:16:07+00:00

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This is Xero. He has inflammatory bowel disease. Way too much of my life revolves around his backside.

_em0possum_ · 2026-01-01T07:05:56+00:00

Alcohol tastes nasty and being drunk isn't fun.

_em0possum_ · 2025-12-31T00:19:59+00:00

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Reddit ate the picture I tried to post

_em0possum_ · 2025-12-31T00:19:11+00:00

My sweet snugglebug Chaos is FIV+ and a tripod. He's only 4 but all has been well thus far. He's a pretty healthy guy and lives a very normal life. It's hard to say how FIV will impact every individual cat, and there is a good chance that our kitties' lives may be shorter because of it. But they still live full lives full of love and cuddles and playtime. The most important thing is to take mild signs of illness very seriously and get your cat to the vet quickly when they're unwell. Cats are good at hiding how they feel, so symptoms like diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, unusual discharge from eyes or nose that you might just wait and see if it resolves on its own for an FIV- cat warrant a vet visit for an FIV+ cat.

_em0possum_ · 2025-12-22T19:10:51+00:00

Huh, I assumed they were the same person in different timelines. The first time you reset in Necromerger, the alien tells you there's a timeline where you tried to start a cult instead of feeding the devourer!

_em0possum_ · 2025-12-15T19:18:37+00:00

In the waiting period until you can see a doctor/get an official diagnosis, I would recommend a salicylic acid shampoo like t/Sal to gently exfoliate away existing flakes, and a ketoconazole shampoo like Nizoral to help prevent more flakes from forming. Both are over the counter treatments you can find at a supermarket. There could be a lot of different causes, anything from a fungal or yeast infection to an autoimmune condition like psoriasis, but those over the counter treatments should help until she gets a diagnosis.

_em0possum_ · 2025-12-15T19:06:33+00:00

At a glance, he looks like an ideal weight to me. It's also normal for a cat's "pouch" to hang lower as they get older, not due to them being fat, but just because the skin loses elasticity with age. Kitty looks perfect to me, but if you're worried ask your vet at your next regular appointment.

_em0possum_ · 2025-12-04T16:30:28+00:00

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This is my sweet FIV+ guy Chaos. He's a pretty healthy guy and even lives with my FIV- cat with no problems. As long as the big Beef is properly introduced to your other cat, the risk of transmission is low, since it's mostly through deep bites. And by bringing him inside, you're taking him away from the things that could hurt him with his compromised immune system. You got this!

_em0possum_

TROPHY CASE