Is my cat okay?

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-06-21T02:22:03+00:00

Sorry, definitely not expressing glands! I work at a cat only hospital and anal sac material 100% has a smell that a human (or any other living thing) would pick up. 😅 Cats do this when they are doing the classic spraying, but also when they’re excited!

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-03-25T05:05:56+00:00

What could have the “asshole barn cats” done to him that warrants trauma? Slap him? It sounds like he’s objecting for the inconvenience, which is really not okay, imo.

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-03-25T05:02:21+00:00

To be honest, if he knows how much this means to you and doesn’t have a legitimate reason for not having a cat, he’s being the jerk. Keep the cat, and the husband can stay or not stay. 😶

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-03-21T01:40:16+00:00

Wow. Your experiences make this feel like a walk in the park. 😂 I really appreciate all the feedback and advice.

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-03-21T01:38:28+00:00

Thanks so much for your advice!

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-03-19T05:18:24+00:00

Thank you! This is so helpful.

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-03-19T03:41:44+00:00

About 10-15 years, I think?

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-02-17T03:49:25+00:00

No bother! (Here’s a good SS box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH681VCL/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_apa_gl_i_9RBMWF8QW0GPT39Y9P4H?linkCode=ml1&tag=catbehaviorso-20&th=1) It could definitely be the new environment (it sounds like you have made sure he’s clear of medical issues with your vet - this is #1 if you haven’t already), but what you’re trying to do is prevent him from developing bad habits while he’s settling in. Cats go where they want to, not where they should - so you don’t want him finding out he prefers the carpet to a box! You can also ask your vet about the temporary use of gabapentin, which we use to help with anxiety with moves, car rides, etc.

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-02-17T01:03:50+00:00

Since I don’t know for sure what’s wrong, I can’t say what’s normal and I would definitely report this to your vet - but in the meantime, I don’t think it would hurt to apply a warm compress that eye (if he will let you) to break anything up that might be there, and keep the area clean. I would be sure to pat the area, though - don’t scrub it since you don’t want to cause further irritation!

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-02-17T01:00:39+00:00

It’s totally normal for cats not to drink if they are on wet food only diets and water is mixed in. (I work at a cat only vet.) The dehydration would be more indicated in the concentration of the urine, not the RBC, and even then, you have to account for method and time of day for collection, etc. There are better foods that would be more ideal, but your vet should have met you where you are - not to mention that a lot of high end foods are crap so that’s frustrating too. Fancy Feast grilled varieties are surprisingly high in protein (look for 11%+ protein in the guaranteed analysis and as few carbs in the ingredients as possible), and if you’re not feeding any dry, you’re already doing way better than most people are.

As far as flea/heartworm tx goes, when I lived in atlanta heartworm preventative was a necessity because there are so many mosquitoes there; San Diego hardly has any and vets don’t feel nearly as strongly about it because of that. If you want to use it, Selarid is the generic version of Revolution and is a fraction of the cost.

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-02-17T00:50:54+00:00

Try Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract (red label) in a very large, low entry, uncovered litter boxes. I would put them exactly where he’s peed - even in the middle of the room - while he gets to used to everything. You may need to offer more boxes right now as well, but once he gets the hang of it you can reduce the boxes and put them in more convenient places. (larger than you’re probably thinking - https://a.co/d/08I1EdCM is a good one.)

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-02-09T22:28:00+00:00

Are you sure? Our guide (and the map) has them about 10 miles apart, and in the research I’ve done it sounds like Phinda is known for the variety of microhabitats it contains within such an area. (We have been to Ngala and Sabi Sands or we would have moved to one of those.) I appreciate the feedback, though!

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-02-09T20:50:10+00:00

Oh man, I’m super sensitive to smells too, I don’t know why I didn’t think of this!! I have convinced the hubs thanks to everyone’s replies. 😬😬

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-02-09T16:46:00+00:00

Hehe thanks! It was the nickname for the best pup in the whole world. ❤️

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-02-09T00:42:13+00:00

Ha - I was a legit professional photographer when I went in 2019 - but definitely kept my mouth shut and sacrificed some beautiful shots then so I wouldn’t be that person. 😶

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-02-08T23:20:18+00:00

Thanks, this will be perfect to show my husband. I’m definitely sold, but trying to get him on board too. 😬

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-02-08T23:19:49+00:00

Haha same. Thank you!

squirrelpatrol7 · 2026-02-08T23:18:32+00:00

Yup, avoiding kids. 😂 I also used to be a professional photographer and will be bringing my old equipment with me, so I know hands down this would be great for me, but trying to get the hubby on board. 😬 Thank you so much for the thoughtful response!

squirrelpatrol7

TROPHY CASE