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People need to stop telling me what to post and how to be. Because you disagree with me doesn't make me wrong and you right. It's called difference of opinion.
Some asked for opinions about leaving cats alone for extended periods. I gave mine, and the reasons for it. Of course no one wants to live a life worrying about every little thing that can happen. But there are certain horrible deaths that are easily preventable, if a cat is checked on every day.
Certainly, with cameras, you get peace of mind. If you see on your camera that your cat is hanging with a cord wrapped around his throat or your male cat is straining in the litter box to pee, or a cat is choking or vomiting because he ingested a string or a cat is limping heavily from jumping or falling wrong you can call someone to get over there. Otherwise you come home to a dead or extremely ill or suffering cat.
In my opinion cats should not be left alone without someone checking in every day. I consider a cat's well being worth this type of concern.
Just for your own information, DropCams come with a built in microphone so you can talk to your cats.
Next time I see my cat straining on the litter box, Im going to make my friends dog bark into the camera. Im sure that will loosen my cats bladder or bowels and avoid any problem.
(how many of you people actually sit there watching your cat use the litter box?)...hmmm.
and Im not telling you what or how to post. You can post whatever you want...even if its dead wrong...as in a cat paws up.
Just for your own information, DropCams come with a built in microphone so you can talk to your cats.
Next time I see my cat straining on the litter box, Im going to make my friends dog bark into the camera. Im sure that will loosen my cats bladder or bowels and avoid any problem.
(how many of you people actually sit there watching your cat use the litter box?)...hmmm.
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A cat straining to pee is a very serious matter, extremely painful condition and if he is blocked, it becomes fatal within 24 hours, and it is a terrible way to die.
A cat on a dry diet is much more likely to have this problem, especially a cat left with an unlimited amount of dry food to eat.
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and Im not telling you what or how to post. You can post whatever you want...even if its dead wrong...as in a cat paws up
The other member was telling me what not to post.
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Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81
..snip.. Stow the scare tactics.
You are telling me how to be. Or to not be.
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Originally Posted by 30to66at55
..snip....Stop being such a Helicopter Cat Owner.
It is possible to have a discussion, even when opinions disagree, without making personal comments.
And it's possible to give helpful suggestions without needlessly scaring the crap out of anyone.
Why would it be better to not let people know what can and has happened to cats left alone?
Those who want to take a chance will. The rest of us wont. Everyone should be able to express their opinion without being accused to scaring the crap out of people.
It's quite reasonable to point out the possible worst case scenarios. The chances of them happening may seem small but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to mitigate that with someone checking in on them. Yes, my cat is already alone about 10 hours per day, and given what she does when we are home during the weekend, it's pretty clear she doesn't get up to much. But hey, she's almost 17 so not very active, plus that being alone for work time is part of the routine now. I don't know how she reconciles the 2 days per week that there's a different schedule. Cats certainly don't understand 7-day weeks, LOL.
Like I said, I left my cat alone many times. But now I worry more and more, not just because she's older and on medications although that's certainly part of it. It's also because it's clear that it affects her adversely when we are gone that long, and someone coming in, even someone she doesn't know that well, would be an improvement.
I think it boils down to the relationship you have with your cats and your personality. Our cats have 24/7 company except for errands and they fret when they know we're getting ready to go out because they're used to a fairly constant presence, I work, my significant other stays home. If we both worked, I would never get a cat, and certainly not a dog. Personally, I would worry if I left my girls at home and a cam would not help us. Even when we board them, we call every other day to see how they're doing. Different strokes for different folks. I think there are cats that do just fine being left home alone for short periods, I think it really depends on their personalities, how they've been raised, what they're used to, etc.
We wouldn't leave our cats alone that long. But since we have an RV, we can take them every place with us.
Should there be an emergency, how would anyone know? She would lay there or suffer until the person came back the next day. Our last cat somehow managed to get caught behind a nightstand, the bookcase headboard and the wall. But we were only gone a few hours....
I would play it safe and board her. But that's just my opinion.
I always board my lot, two main reasons: -
1. I know they are being looked after properly, regular meals, cleaned out and plenty of exercise, so I don't have to worry about them.
2. If something happened to the house at least they are safe.
One time we went on holiday and the thermostat broke for the hot water which caused the cold water tank to boil over which flooded the house as the cold water tank was constantly filling up. Now if the pets had have been in the house
PERSONALLY, I can not imagine leaving my cats or dogs home alone for days. They can't open the refrigerator to get meals. Nor can they operate a can opener. None of them have paid attention to our fire drill tests...and they just don't get how to dial 911, if there was an emergency. Annnnnd I am POSITIVE none of them would scoop poop either.
I didn't leave my human children alone, when they were unable to care for themselves...not going to do it to my furkids either.
Just for your own information, DropCams come with a built in microphone so you can talk to your cats.
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That wont work for the 40% of Americans who can't get unlimited-download service or who have dial-up.
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