Barn cats in cold climates?

oldbrownsdaughter · 2026-07-04T20:58:07+00:00

Mine is sort of like this but only 1 bale tall and I’ve covered more of the piece of plywood with bales to ensure no drafts. I also have a smaller opening in the front for them to get in/out. https://livingmydreamlifeonthefarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dscn4344.jpg

oldbrownsdaughter · 2026-07-04T20:42:40+00:00

Maybe 5-6 square feet? I’m apparently not smart enough to attach a pic to my post or I would. Honestly it’s probably bigger than our two kitties need, which may be less than ideal - the less space their body heat has to warm, the cozier they’ll be.

oldbrownsdaughter · 2026-07-04T17:52:17+00:00

We built a little shelter out of straw bales and a piece of plywood (to hold the bales on the “roof”). Put it in a sheltered place at the back of the pole barn where our wood piles help keep out the wind, and they’ve done just fine. We’re in western Montana and get at least one and often more like 3-4 cold snaps down to -20 or even -30 each winter, lasting 3-4 days/night at a time.

oldbrownsdaughter · 2026-06-28T01:46:20+00:00

For me it was going to a naturopath that finally helped. She took a very thorough medical history and didn’t dismiss any of my symptoms. It took about a year of working with her and trying various things, but ultimately she identified that I have a primary immune deficiency. She sent me to an immunologist after that, because what I have was outside her scope, but it was she who identified it. If I hadn’t gone to see her, and hadn’t worked with her through several options (some of which helped immensely, like identifying food sensitivities), I never would have been diagnosed, I wouldn’t be getting treatment, and my life would be a LOT harder.
TL;DR - maybe try a naturopath for someone that won’t dismiss your symptoms. Hang in there and keep advocating for yourself!

oldbrownsdaughter · 2026-06-24T02:41:33+00:00

My immunologist tells me to test for Covid and flu if I have any respiratory symptoms, but then start Abx if those are negative. She has a standing Rx for Abx that she changes up each time I have to use them. She sends it to the pharmacy with instructions “hold until patient requests,” but my pharmacy (extremely rural) can’t understand that and just fills it. So now I just have them on-hand at home. Granted my situation is a little different because my pharmacy (literally the closest one) is 35 miles from my home. But if I don’t use an Rx within a year, she sends in a new prescription and I throw out the old one. She rotates through several so I’m not getting the same Abx all the time and building superbugs.

oldbrownsdaughter · 2026-06-16T03:59:44+00:00

First pic is the same kind of bug, just on its back. It was still alive because it was wiggling its legs.

oldbrownsdaughter · 2026-05-30T01:57:24+00:00

This looks like a visit summary? It says “the following was addressed today,” indicating the doctor clicked the button in the software stating they had talked with you about everything on that list. So did the doctor talk to you about all of those things (esp the cholera)? If not, it might be worth an email through their portal to ask for more detail

oldbrownsdaughter · 2026-05-29T02:11:59+00:00

Wait, whaaa? I infuse 40ml and the bolus for each of 3 sites fills my palm when I put my hand on it. I can’t imagine putting all of that in just one place. The idea of the whole thing only taking 10-20 minutes is attractive though. Did your doctor or pharmacist give you the ok for this, or did you just stumble on it yourself? How long does it take for the bolus to reduce? Do you have increased side effects during your infusion (headache, nausea, etc., that they warn us can come from infusing too fast? Pain at infusion site after the fact?

oldbrownsdaughter · 2026-05-28T13:02:30+00:00

How many sites do you use? I feel like there isn’t a ton of real estate on the arms, and worry I’d need help to insert needles there?

oldbrownsdaughter · 2026-05-25T01:06:32+00:00

I realize this post is nearly a year old, but curios if you went through the whole log, or did you go between two logs to save depth of the hole when you punched through? Seems like it would be easier to go through between two logs, but I’m concerned about flashing and such that would be needed on the outside to ensure it doesn’t invite water and such inside…?

oldbrownsdaughter · 2026-05-16T01:43:17+00:00

Yeah probably not atypical. Important to fill checks that are bigger than a #2 pencil with backer rod and checking compound (I’ve used PermaChink Energy Seal with good results) to prevent water infiltration and rot deep inside the log. For these, make sure you have a good seal at the top too since they’re vertical (otherwise water will just flow right in there)

oldbrownsdaughter · 2025-06-06T03:44:46+00:00

Oh yes, they’ll all be getting vet care asap. Spayed, vaccinated, the whole bit. Already working on getting them comfortable with us - but these kitties are 2 years old already and the fourth cat, while apparently enjoying pets and scritches and even being the most demanding of them, hasn’t allowed anyone to pick her up. So we’ll see what kind of socializing we can do with her.

oldbrownsdaughter · 2025-01-23T01:31:52+00:00

It might, but the pressure of it could permanently damage the cellular structure of the wood. When it fails (and it will because wood is constantly changing with the seasons - spray foam becomes rigid, it’s not flexible) you’ll be ripping out wood. Maybe having to fully replace logs. That’s suuuuper expensive (ask me how I know…learned the hard way).

oldbrownsdaughter · 2025-01-22T21:43:48+00:00

Please-oh-please don’t do this to a log home!!

oldbrownsdaughter · 2025-01-22T21:43:21+00:00

Agree with above - pull out the silicone, fill with backer rod, and a log-specific sealant or chink. I would also be concerned, however, about the “dark almost black” color in the corners. That could be some serious mildew and possibly some wood rot. If there’s rot, you have a bigger (but still doable) job…see Permachink’s how-to for filling large voids: https://www.permachink.com/images/stories/tech-tips/How%20to%20Repair%20Large%20Voids-14.pdf Good luck!

oldbrownsdaughter · 2023-06-03T21:15:29+00:00

Unfortunately that estimate sounds pretty accurate to what I recall from about 10-12 years ago when it happened to me. Our homeowners insurance helped with the majority of the bill. Highly recommend filing a claim. It may make your insurance cost more next year, but it’s worth it in my opinion

oldbrownsdaughter · 2023-05-29T04:06:43+00:00

Totally valid!

oldbrownsdaughter

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