RANT HERE thread

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We don't have many ticks (at least compared to somewhere like Nebraska).

And we also don't have much heartworm (yet). My boss has been working in this area for 40 years and she's never heard of a case around here. Doesn't mean we don't have it or we don't get it, but it's much different than the South.
if you have mosquitoes, you probably have heartworm. especially after Katrina moved a lot of positive dogs throughout the US. Maybe just haven't picked it up yet
 
this is your first year here? You just haven't been here for enough cycles.
maybe, but i didnt have allergies in grenada for 3 years. im maybe not allergic to tropical things?

today my dog saved me from lighting a fire on my stove. i started making lunch, walked away from the stove, and the next thing i know the dog is on top of me shaking and acting weird. took me a few minutes to turn around and notice the smoke billowing from my kitchen. sigh. i smelled it, but i just figured i was burning crumbs off...
 
maybe, but i didnt have allergies in grenada for 3 years. im maybe not allergic to tropical things?

today my dog saved me from lighting a fire on my stove. i started making lunch, walked away from the stove, and the next thing i know the dog is on top of me shaking and acting weird. took me a few minutes to turn around and notice the smoke billowing from my kitchen. sigh. i smelled it, but i just figured i was burning crumbs off...
AFAIK they don't have live oak in grenada
 
if you have mosquitoes, you probably have heartworm. especially after Katrina moved a lot of positive dogs throughout the US. Maybe just haven't picked it up yet
Yeah. That could become a big problem, because a lot of our vets aren't very familiar with heartworm prevention. we discovered this when my sister was preparing to move to Tennessee and started asking questions about what she needed to do. No one keeps up with what's on the market and what works best because it isn't a noticeable issue here yet.
 
One of my kitties may have early HCM 🙁 Not okay.
 
Today was apparently my day for dealing with difficult clients. First we had a guy show up 15 minutes late for his appointment with a new pet. Okay, whatever, at least we had seen him before with another pet so the paperwork didn't take as long, and there wasn't an appointment right after him. Then later we had a woman show up 10 minutes late for her appointment for her ball python, and she surprised us by also bringing her dog that we'd never seen before. Then to top things off, an hour before close a woman walked in with a sick cat that we've never seen before, but the cat belonged to a guy who's renting from her and she didn't want to have her name on the file or take financial responsibility. She mentioned he would probably have trouble paying too, so I mentioned the price for an office visit and that we don't do payment plans, so she decided she would have to go get this guy rather than wait for him. This was at 6 and we had 6:30 appointments scheduled already, so I was going to go check with the doctors to see if they recommended she just go to the emergency clinic, but she was like "I'll just go there, where are they at?" And then on her way out the door she said sarcastically "your compassion for animals is just outstanding." 🙄 Like, why even bother bringing in this cat without him if you need him to fill out the paperwork and pay??? We'll probably get a bad review online from her, but whatever. Hope she had fun paying their emergency fee.:bang:
 
Today was apparently my day for dealing with difficult clients. First we had a guy show up 15 minutes late for his appointment with a new pet. Okay, whatever, at least we had seen him before with another pet so the paperwork didn't take as long, and there wasn't an appointment right after him. Then later we had a woman show up 10 minutes late for her appointment for her ball python, and she surprised us by also bringing her dog that we'd never seen before. Then to top things off, an hour before close a woman walked in with a sick cat that we've never seen before, but the cat belonged to a guy who's renting from her and she didn't want to have her name on the file or take financial responsibility. She mentioned he would probably have trouble paying too, so I mentioned the price for an office visit and that we don't do payment plans, so she decided she would have to go get this guy rather than wait for him. This was at 6 and we had 6:30 appointments scheduled already, so I was going to go check with the doctors to see if they recommended she just go to the emergency clinic, but she was like "I'll just go there, where are they at?" And then on her way out the door she said sarcastically "your compassion for animals is just outstanding." 🙄 Like, why even bother bringing in this cat without him if you need him to fill out the paperwork and pay??? We'll probably get a bad review online from her, but whatever. Hope she had fun paying their emergency fee.:bang:
Liked because I sympathize. So very much. Your clients sound a lot like our clients.
Today we had someone get upset because she "didn't know" she needed to fast her dog for his neuter. We had called to confirm the appointment yesterday and told her that information in the voice mail we left, but she never called back. And apparently she never listened to the voice mail either. Which is somehow our fault.

And the practice manager scheduled a drop off for respiratory distress at 5:15 when we were already booked with back to back appointments until after 6, and it was just me and the doctor.

I also came within millimeters of having my arm severely bitten with no warning by a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix.

BUT our last room appointment was a sweet puppy and her super sweet owner, who asked if we would have time to trim her nails and apologized for not asking for it in advance when he made the appointment. Never in my life have I had a client be so concerned about taking up extra time. I wish we could clone him.
 
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I'm completely wiped. Worked half a day, took two exams and did other homework. Getting ready to sleep and just discovered that my cat knocked a bunch of litter onto the bathroom floor. She then proceeded to urinate and defecate in the floor litter. Then she walked into the bedroom and defecated on the carpet. She never does this.


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Hubby just told me we have a winter weather advisory tomorrow. I need to take the older kiddo down to Children's for a neuro consult to see if they want an MRI and she now has the stomach bug that the younger one had the last 3 days.

I don't want to cancel this late, but I don't know how they will feel about examining her while she is sick to check her tone and the many other problems we have seen increasing over the last year.

We also move in about 2 months, so I'm trying to get all the surgeries and crap she needs done before we have to set up with new insurance and doctors and have to fight for everything all over again.
 
Getting ready to sleep and just discovered that my cat knocked a bunch of litter onto the bathroom floor. She then proceeded to urinate and defecate in the floor litter. Then she walked into the bedroom and defecated on the carpet. She never does this.
Ugh I know that feeling...2 of my younger cats track/knock litter EVERYWHERE and if there's enough accumlated, their mom will go on the floor-litter...which isn't the worst place to go (said cat sometimes uses it on the bed or under the dresser when I'm not around...she's kinda weird) but it's annoying that litter ends up tracked on my bed as well! I don't know how the boys manage to track so much 😕 I tried a cheap rubber litter-tracking mat but it just ends up being treated as a second litterbox when it catches litter and there's still tracking! Really considering either investing in an auto-cleaning box or a toilet-training kit 😛
 
Ugh I know that feeling...2 of my younger cats track/knock litter EVERYWHERE and if there's enough accumlated, their mom will go on the floor-litter...which isn't the worst place to go (said cat sometimes uses it on the bed or under the dresser when I'm not around...she's kinda weird) but it's annoying that litter ends up tracked on my bed as well! I don't know how the boys manage to track so much 😕 I tried a cheap rubber litter-tracking mat but it just ends up being treated as a second litterbox when it catches litter and there's still tracking! Really considering either investing in an auto-cleaning box or a toilet-training kit 😛
I'm glad I'm not the only one whose cat decided that the litter mat was an additional box. Not that I can really blame her since at the time we had 2 cats and one box. I'm still wary of using litter mats again though because I'm afraid she'll just pee on them.

Have you tried switching the litter you use? Some at least claim to track less, though of course that won't do anything about them kicking litter out of the box. So in that case I'd try a box with higher sides or a covered one. And of course make sure you have a box for each cat plus an extra (I'm not following that rule yet, it was hard enough getting my mom to agree to two boxes, but even with just the additional box we've had fewer issues!)
 
Have you tried switching the litter you use? Some at least claim to track less, though of course that won't do anything about them kicking litter out of the box. So in that case I'd try a box with higher sides or a covered one. And of course make sure you have a box for each cat plus an extra (I'm not following that rule yet, it was hard enough getting my mom to agree to two boxes, but even with just the additional box we've had fewer issues!)

My cat started using the litter mat as a litterbox last week. She's done it twice; so, no more mat. The frustrating thing is that in lieu of the mat, she just kicked litter onto the floor last night.

I think I figured out her problem. My hubby usually cleans her box, and when I checked it last night, there was urine caked litter deep down in it. (There is a ton of litter in the box, really deep). It's like he's been scooping the top but isn't thorough. Poor kitty.



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My cat started using the litter mat as a litterbox last week. She's done it twice; so, no more mat. The frustrating thing is that in lieu of the mat, she just kicked litter onto the floor last night.

I think I figured out her problem. My hubby usually cleans her box, and when I checked it last night, there was urine caked litter deep down in it. (There is a ton of litter in the box, really deep). It's like he's been scooping the top but isn't thorough. Poor kitty.



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Yeah, that could be the issue. They like clean litterboxes!
 
Yeah, that could be the issue. They like clean litterboxes!
Yeah, I feel pretty awful about it. Gonna have to keep a better eye on the litter box cleaning duties.
It's a relief that there was a reason. She's 13 and never had an issue. Did not want her to develop one now, especially so close to a move.


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2 cats and 6 litter boxes here and I still have issues with my older cat peeing right outside the box. She's been looked over by multiple vets and is healthy and I've tried just about everything behavior wise. About to rip out the carpet in that room (it's only one box she pees in front of) and put plastic down til we move out.
 
2 cats and 6 litter boxes here and I still have issues with my older cat peeing right outside the box. She's been looked over by multiple vets and is healthy and I've tried just about everything behavior wise. About to rip out the carpet in that room (it's only one box she pees in front of) and put plastic down til we move out.
Ugh, I feel your pain. My male was notorious for peeing outside the box until about a year ago. We worked with our vet for years to try to help him and thought it was a lost cause.
My boss diagnosed him with feline inflammatory cystitis and referred him to a feline behaviorist, and we finally got him straightened out. He's on daily anxiety meds, a special diet, and special litter. But you know what? He's a completely different cat now. Much more affectionate and rarely urinates in the wrong place.


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Ugh I know that feeling...2 of my younger cats track/knock litter EVERYWHERE and if there's enough accumlated, their mom will go on the floor-litter...which isn't the worst place to go (said cat sometimes uses it on the bed or under the dresser when I'm not around...she's kinda weird) but it's annoying that litter ends up tracked on my bed as well! I don't know how the boys manage to track so much 😕 I tried a cheap rubber litter-tracking mat but it just ends up being treated as a second litterbox when it catches litter and there's still tracking! Really considering either investing in an auto-cleaning box or a toilet-training kit 😛
You could also try the boxes with built in ramps (they look like igloos) so the litter falls off their feet before they hit your floor. Some people really hate that kind though because it can trap odors and then cause other problems with litter box aversion....but it's an idea!
 
You could also try the boxes with built in ramps (they look like igloos) so the litter falls off their feet before they hit your floor. Some people really hate that kind though because it can trap odors and then cause other problems with litter box aversion....but it's an idea!
They're also good for keeping dogs away from kitty poo snacks.


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At the neuro appt. Delayed by a code pink. Younger kid falls, chips her 2 front teeth and drives them through her bottom lip. Guess dentist appt this afternoon!
 
At the neuro appt. Delayed by a code pink. Younger kid falls, chips her 2 front teeth and drives them through her bottom lip. Guess dentist appt this afternoon!
20160330_103826.jpg
Smiling but bloody. Hopefully that crooked tooth isn't broken below the gumline.
 
Dental rads scheduled for as soon as we can drive back to FoCo. MRI ordered for the older one.
Yay?
 
So apparently now they can predict tornadoes like rain?? Must be because they just said my town has a 60% chance of seeing a "strong-violent" tornado at some point today. Closet time?
 
So apparently now they can predict tornadoes like rain?? Must be because they just said my town has a 60% chance of seeing a "strong-violent" tornado at some point today. Closet time?
Geez. You guys deserve a break.
I've noticed over the past couple of years that if the local weather forecasters predict a "significant tornado outbreak," they tend to have good reason. If you remember that crazy video of the 18 wheeler trailers flying in a tornado in Dallas, that was the first time I remember the forecast predicting such an outbreak. (And it was correct)
Since the local forecasts are driven by the National Weather Service, your forecasts are probably coming from them as well. So, get your safe room ready.
With that said, I really hope your forecast is wrong.


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Geez. You guys deserve a break.
I've noticed over the past couple of years that if the local weather forecasters predict a "significant tornado outbreak," they tend to have good reason. If you remember that crazy video of the 18 wheeler trailers flying in a tornado in Dallas, that was the first time I remember the forecast predicting such an outbreak. (And it was correct)
Since the local forecasts are driven by the National Weather Service, your forecasts are probably coming from them as well. So, get your safe room ready.
With that said, I really hope your forecast is wrong.


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But really. And it's been happening so frequently in the south. It honestly has me scared to move to Mississippi.

I do remember that video. When I was at my LSU interview, I got done about 9:30 AM and there where all kinds of people urging me to leave the campus and the city immediately, because they had predicted an outbreak and they knew I came from the other side of the state. And they were right--later that day I saw pictures of trees down on sections of I-10 that I had just driven through. Spooky scary stuff.
 
I'm glad I'm not the only one whose cat decided that the litter mat was an additional box. Not that I can really blame her since at the time we had 2 cats and one box. I'm still wary of using litter mats again though because I'm afraid she'll just pee on them.

Have you tried switching the litter you use? Some at least claim to track less, though of course that won't do anything about them kicking litter out of the box. So in that case I'd try a box with higher sides or a covered one. And of course make sure you have a box for each cat plus an extra (I'm not following that rule yet, it was hard enough getting my mom to agree to two boxes, but even with just the additional box we've had fewer issues!)
I have considered trying out a different non-clay litter, since it seems like not only would it help with tracking but might be less...odorous? less of a heavy/nasty thing to dispose of when it's dirty? Just haven't had the chance to yet cause I usually just tell my parents to pick up more litter when I'm close to running out and they always grab the same brand...I could try amazon!

You could also try the boxes with built in ramps (they look like igloos) so the litter falls off their feet before they hit your floor. Some people really hate that kind though because it can trap odors and then cause other problems with litter box aversion....but it's an idea!
Actually, I was just about to say that I recently switched back to this type! It's the one I used to use at my apartment during undergrad, I found it and cleaned it up but can't use the igloo top anymore because it got broken (which is fine, I really just needed the bottom part anyway). The ramp has helped a lot with tracking compared to the old boxes, though some litter STILL ends up outside the box( I guess the boys just jump straight out sometimes...) and it's high enough to contain most spillage when they dig around though they still manage some. I swear sometimes they dig around in the litter for fun 😛

I was using these boxes which are meant to be used as a sifting system (has 2 boxes with a sieve box in the middle of them, you're supposed to pour the top box's contents into the sieve then lift/shake it out so the rest of the litter falls through to the bottom box, where you can dispose of the caught solids and then put the newly-filled box on top) but honestly it was more trouble than it was worth...stuff always ended up stickingto the boxes and having to be scraped, too much dirty litter gets through the sieve, and then you're left with a big thing full of sifted mess that "leaks" used litter when you pic it up and is gross and awkward to carry around/dump into the trash. I've seen videos of sifting-box systems that seem okay, but these suck 😛 I started just scooping them like regular old boxes, less messy that way. I might have to bring them back to use as extra boxes though.
 
So apparently now they can predict tornadoes like rain?? Must be because they just said my town has a 60% chance of seeing a "strong-violent" tornado at some point today. Closet time?
They can't exactly predict tornadoes, but they can easily predict tornado-friendly conditions. Certain wind patterns make a tornado very likely. Stay safe!
 
I have two cats and FIVE litterboxes. Y'all just let that sink in for a minute.

Good thing I have a bigger house now or I'd have a box in every room...

You are an A+ kitty mom. I wish more people could be like you.

Most kitties' litter box situations hurt my soul.


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2 cats and 6 litter boxes here and I still have issues with my older cat peeing right outside the box. She's been looked over by multiple vets and is healthy and I've tried just about everything behavior wise. About to rip out the carpet in that room (it's only one box she pees in front of) and put plastic down til we move out.
You too


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Ugh, I feel your pain. My male was notorious for peeing outside the box until about a year ago. We worked with our vet for years to try to help him and thought it was a lost cause.
My boss diagnosed him with feline inflammatory cystitis and referred him to a feline behaviorist, and we finally got him straightened out. He's on daily anxiety meds, a special diet, and special litter. But you know what? He's a completely different cat now. Much more affectionate and rarely urinates in the wrong place.


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You three.

My soul is mostly dead from all the sad kitty litter situations out in the world. I think a part of my soul is sprouting a little from this thread.


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You three.

My soul is mostly dead from all the sad kitty litter situations out in the world. I think a part of my soul is sprouting a little from this thread.


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I have four for my two kitties! Every once in a blue moon we have a pee on clothing incident, but I think they're generally pretty happy with their bathroom situation.
 
I have considered trying out a different non-clay litter, since it seems like not only would it help with tracking but might be less...odorous? less of a heavy/nasty thing to dispose of when it's dirty? Just haven't had the chance to yet cause I usually just tell my parents to pick up more litter when I'm close to running out and they always grab the same brand...I could try amazon!
Have you tried Cat Attract cat litter?
I have a boy cat that if the litter gets too dirt goes elsewhere... unless we use this litter. This stuff does still track a little, but it is less dusty. It also really does attract the cats. Every time I bring a box home, all the cats come running up and love on the box and want to dig in it. They will play in this litter, but are more than happy to potty in it too.

I also use a Clevercat litter box. It's deep and has grooves to collect litter. It won't be great for arthritic cats potentially, but we'll cross that bridge later.
 
I have considered trying out a different non-clay litter, since it seems like not only would it help with tracking but might be less...odorous? less of a heavy/nasty thing to dispose of when it's dirty? Just haven't had the chance to yet cause I usually just tell my parents to pick up more litter when I'm close to running out and they always grab the same brand...I could try amazon!

I messed around with the non-clay litters and didn't find one I liked. I tried World's Best Cat Litter and the Blue Buffalo walnut (or something?) litter and both were super dusty and didn't clump well.

I finally worked out a system I like. I went to Target and bought big storage containers with a ~4" rim and use those instead of standard litter boxes. I have 3 for 2 cats and I fill them ~1/3 full with Dr. Elsey's unscented clumping clay litter (by far my favorite litter of all time). I scoop 2x daily and the boxes seem to stay pretty clean.
 
I should say, we only have 1 Clevercat, the other 2 litter boxes are standard open top shallow entry. So only 3 boxes for 3 cats, and sadly all in the same room, but it is a solid floor so we don't mind the tracking as much and none of them does litter box guarding.
 
Dr. Elsey's unscented clumping clay litter (by far my favorite litter of all time).
The Cat Attract is by Dr.Elsey! We rotate it in if we know we will be slacking for a little while or if we know a stressful situation is/will occur.
 
I messed around with the non-clay litters and didn't find one I liked. I tried World's Best Cat Litter and the Blue Buffalo walnut (or something?) litter and both were super dusty and didn't clump well.

I finally worked out a system I like. I went to Target and bought big storage containers with a ~4" rim and use those instead of standard litter boxes. I have 3 for 2 cats and I fill them ~1/3 full with Dr. Elsey's unscented clumping clay litter (by far my favorite litter of all time). I scoop 2x daily and the boxes seem to stay pretty clean.
Hmm. I've actually liked world's best so far. Though right now it's still an 80/20 mix with their previous litter (which was awful...arm & hammer clump and seal, the tracking was horredous).
 
Have you tried Cat Attract cat litter?
I have a boy cat that if the litter gets too dirt goes elsewhere... unless we use this litter. This stuff does still track a little, but it is less dusty. It also really does attract the cats. Every time I bring a box home, all the cats come running up and love on the box and want to dig in it. They will play in this litter, but are more than happy to potty in it too.

I also use a Clevercat litter box. It's deep and has grooves to collect litter. It won't be great for arthritic cats potentially, but we'll cross that bridge later.

I messed around with the non-clay litters and didn't find one I liked. I tried World's Best Cat Litter and the Blue Buffalo walnut (or something?) litter and both were super dusty and didn't clump well.

I finally worked out a system I like. I went to Target and bought big storage containers with a ~4" rim and use those instead of standard litter boxes. I have 3 for 2 cats and I fill them ~1/3 full with Dr. Elsey's unscented clumping clay litter (by far my favorite litter of all time). I scoop 2x daily and the boxes seem to stay pretty clean.

Ooo, thanks for the recs, I definitely want to try the cat attract! That sounds perfect for the one who sometimes goes in weird corners.
I always see ads for "top-entry" boxes to prevent tracking, but I know my munchkin cat wouldn't like it...she didn't even like to use the old BIG, deep box that I used to have, and preferred to just go on the floor in front of it. I mean understandable considering her height 😛
 
Ooo, thanks for the recs, I definitely want to try the cat attract! That sounds perfect for the one who sometimes goes in weird corners.
I always see ads for "top-entry" boxes to prevent tracking, but I know my munchkin cat wouldn't like it...she didn't even like to use the old BIG, deep box that I used to have, and preferred to just go on the floor in front of it. I mean understandable considering her height 😛
You have a munchkin??? 😍
 
The Cat Attract is by Dr.Elsey! We rotate it in if we know we will be slacking for a little while or if we know a stressful situation is/will occur.

Hmm, that's a good idea. I'm worried about moving my 3 kitties when I start school. Going to test out a small litter box with that brand before leaving to see if they like it.

The older two kitties have done fine and never had any box issues, even after two long distance moves. But the third kitty didn't like the pine litter I was using and had some issues when I first brought her home. Buying another huge, uncovered box and having 3 boxes with clay litter and one with pine solved all their issues. I wish we had room for another box, but there's nowhere good to put them. 🙁
 
I can't wait to move out and be able to get additional boxes for my kitties. Right now the best I can do is just make sure they're scooped multiple times a day.
Same. I try to make sure that my one box for my one cat isn't smelly and clean it out often, but having a roommate who doesn't like my cat makes spreading a litter box across the apartment difficult.
 
I can't wait to move out and be able to get additional boxes for my kitties. Right now the best I can do is just make sure they're scooped multiple times a day.
Same. We've got 3 for 3 cats in our apartment now. Within the last few weeks, everyone started using whatever litter box they damn well pleased. I guess that's a good thing? For a while, my cats used 'their' boxes and my roommate's cat used 'hers.' My cats also recently started actually using the second box I have for them.
You have a munchkin??? 😍
I have never met a munchkin that didn't want to kill everyone and everything in its path :scared:
 
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Re: munchkin--yes! I need to post her in the pet thread!

She has had urinary problems before, for which she had to be prescribed the food, but after that she has done well on OTC urinary formula foods. Thank god she's not a male. ..😛
I have never not met a munchkin that wanted to kill everyone and everything in its path :scared:
She's sweet to all people!...but yeah that's generally her attitude towards other cats/pets
 
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