Kitten destroyed blind cord

ashe

greensalad said:

ashe said:

Out of interest why are you waiting for him to hit 6 months before neutering? 

Vet recommendation. He weighs enough but we were told as he's likely to be a (mostly) indoor cat, that waiting a little longer will allow his urinary tract to develop better which can reduce chances of urinary infections in the future. 

tbh having had kittens before I don't think and of his actions are particularly "male aggression". He seems just as annoying as any of my other female, fixed kitties. 

I think your vets Information is out of date.  

"

Does Early Neutering Increase the Potential for Urinary Tract Obstruction?

The most frequent argument in support of delaying male cat neutering is that performing this procedure before the cat is sexually mature predisposes the cat to urethral obstructions. The myth that neutering a cat before it reaches sexual maturity results in a smaller penis and predisposes the cat to urinary tract obstruction has been proven to be false. In a 1996 study, Root et al. demonstrated no difference in urethral diameter between cats neutered at 7 weeks, neutered at 7 months, or left intact.15 None of the short-term or long-term studies have shown increased incidence of urinary obstruction among neutered male cats."

"Benefits of Spaying/Neutering Cats Younger than 5 Months of Age2

• Decreases the risk for mammary carcinoma 
• Eliminates reproductive emergencies such as pyometra and dystocia 
• Prevents unintended pregnancies (which may occur as early as 4 months of age) 
• Potentially decreases behavioral problems linked with cat relinquishment

"

Concerns About Early Spay/Neuter

Despite the above findings, some still question the advisability of reducing the age at which cats should be spayed/neutered, expressing concerns about surgical or anesthetic complications, potential urinary obstruction in male cats, orthopedic issues, and potential behavioral problems.

Is Early Spay/Neuter Associated With More Surgical or Anesthetic Complications?

In 2000, Land reported on a survey of 85 veterinarians who had collectively performed approximately 200 000 early spays/neuters (dogs and cats).12 The veterinarians unanimously stated that early spays/neuters were safer, faster, and easier than the same surgeries in dogs and cats 6 months of age or older. 

In a prospective study of dogs and cats, Howe compared short-term complication rates among 3 groups of animals: sterilized at younger than 12 weeks, at 12 to 23 weeks, and at 24 weeks or older.13Researchers measured complications during anesthesia, surgery, and the immediate postoperative period (up to 7 days) and classified complications as being major (requiring treatment or resulting in increased morbidity or mortality) or minor (requiring no treatment). For incidence of major complications, they found no differences among the 3 groups. However, for incidence of minor complications, they found a significant difference; rates were highest among animals in the oldest group and lowest among those in the youngest group.13

Anesthetic drugs and protocols today are safe and effective for pediatric and juvenile patients. In 2002, Root Kustritz reported that the anesthetic drugs and anesthetic protocols in use at the time were perfectly safe for use in kittens as young as 6 to 14 weeks of age.14 Concerns about small body size, hypothermia, and hypoglycemia are valid and require that the veterinary staff pay attention to maintaining body temperature and minimizing the length of time that food is withheld before surgery. Risk for hypothermia can be minimized by limiting the amount of hair clipped; using warm scrub solutions without alcohol; and using warming devices such as water-circulating heating pads, forced warm air flow, or active polymer warming blankets. Risk for hypoglycemia can be minimized by not withholding food for more than 2 hours before surgery."

Brie

Goose is gorgeous!!  I'd forgive him anything!!! (well not pooping in my shoes maybe)

As for those that might suggest neutering limits their growth....our Wimsey was done at about 10 weeks and went on to be a 23 pound monster.  

And as the blind cords - i was going to suggest tobasco but that might colour them.  Another idea would be balloons - get a number of them blown up and tied to the bottom of the blinds.  The way they move about with the slightest breeze seems to be off putting for cats.  And if they are still brave enough to approach them they are likely to give them a swipe with their little kitten needle claws.  Which of course will burst the balloon!  That should send them scampering.

greensalad

ashe said:

greensalad said:

ashe said:

Out of interest why are you waiting for him to hit 6 months before neutering? 

Vet recommendation. He weighs enough but we were told as he's likely to be a (mostly) indoor cat, that waiting a little longer will allow his urinary tract to develop better which can reduce chances of urinary infections in the future. 

tbh having had kittens before I don't think and of his actions are particularly "male aggression". He seems just as annoying as any of my other female, fixed kitties. 

I think your vets Information is out of date.  

"

Does Early Neutering Increase the Potential for Urinary Tract Obstruction?

The most frequent argument in support of delaying male cat neutering is that performing this procedure before the cat is sexually mature predisposes the cat to urethral obstructions. The myth that neutering a cat before it reaches sexual maturity results in a smaller penis and predisposes the cat to urinary tract obstruction has been proven to be false. In a 1996 study, Root et al. demonstrated no difference in urethral diameter between cats neutered at 7 weeks, neutered at 7 months, or left intact.15 None of the short-term or long-term studies have shown increased incidence of urinary obstruction among neutered male cats."

"Benefits of Spaying/Neutering Cats Younger than 5 Months of Age2

• Decreases the risk for mammary carcinoma 
• Eliminates reproductive emergencies such as pyometra and dystocia 
• Prevents unintended pregnancies (which may occur as early as 4 months of age) 
• Potentially decreases behavioral problems linked with cat relinquishment

"

Concerns About Early Spay/Neuter

Despite the above findings, some still question the advisability of reducing the age at which cats should be spayed/neutered, expressing concerns about surgical or anesthetic complications, potential urinary obstruction in male cats, orthopedic issues, and potential behavioral problems.

Is Early Spay/Neuter Associated With More Surgical or Anesthetic Complications?

In 2000, Land reported on a survey of 85 veterinarians who had collectively performed approximately 200 000 early spays/neuters (dogs and cats).12 The veterinarians unanimously stated that early spays/neuters were safer, faster, and easier than the same surgeries in dogs and cats 6 months of age or older. 

In a prospective study of dogs and cats, Howe compared short-term complication rates among 3 groups of animals: sterilized at younger than 12 weeks, at 12 to 23 weeks, and at 24 weeks or older.13Researchers measured complications during anesthesia, surgery, and the immediate postoperative period (up to 7 days) and classified complications as being major (requiring treatment or resulting in increased morbidity or mortality) or minor (requiring no treatment). For incidence of major complications, they found no differences among the 3 groups. However, for incidence of minor complications, they found a significant difference; rates were highest among animals in the oldest group and lowest among those in the youngest group.13

Anesthetic drugs and protocols today are safe and effective for pediatric and juvenile patients. In 2002, Root Kustritz reported that the anesthetic drugs and anesthetic protocols in use at the time were perfectly safe for use in kittens as young as 6 to 14 weeks of age.14 Concerns about small body size, hypothermia, and hypoglycemia are valid and require that the veterinary staff pay attention to maintaining body temperature and minimizing the length of time that food is withheld before surgery. Risk for hypothermia can be minimized by limiting the amount of hair clipped; using warm scrub solutions without alcohol; and using warming devices such as water-circulating heating pads, forced warm air flow, or active polymer warming blankets. Risk for hypoglycemia can be minimized by not withholding food for more than 2 hours before surgery."

To be fair, my sister in law is a vet (graduated last year) and said that between 4 months and 6 months is fine and it's not going to hurt. So we're just gonna wait a little longer! He isn't going outside yet anyway. 

ashe

greensalad said:

ashe said:

greensalad said:

ashe said:

Out of interest why are you waiting for him to hit 6 months before neutering? 

Vet recommendation. He weighs enough but we were told as he's likely to be a (mostly) indoor cat, that waiting a little longer will allow his urinary tract to develop better which can reduce chances of urinary infections in the future. 

tbh having had kittens before I don't think and of his actions are particularly "male aggression". He seems just as annoying as any of my other female, fixed kitties. 

I think your vets Information is out of date.  

"

Does Early Neutering Increase the Potential for Urinary Tract Obstruction?

The most frequent argument in support of delaying male cat neutering is that performing this procedure before the cat is sexually mature predisposes the cat to urethral obstructions. The myth that neutering a cat before it reaches sexual maturity results in a smaller penis and predisposes the cat to urinary tract obstruction has been proven to be false. In a 1996 study, Root et al. demonstrated no difference in urethral diameter between cats neutered at 7 weeks, neutered at 7 months, or left intact.15 None of the short-term or long-term studies have shown increased incidence of urinary obstruction among neutered male cats."

"Benefits of Spaying/Neutering Cats Younger than 5 Months of Age2

• Decreases the risk for mammary carcinoma 
• Eliminates reproductive emergencies such as pyometra and dystocia 
• Prevents unintended pregnancies (which may occur as early as 4 months of age) 
• Potentially decreases behavioral problems linked with cat relinquishment

"

Concerns About Early Spay/Neuter

Despite the above findings, some still question the advisability of reducing the age at which cats should be spayed/neutered, expressing concerns about surgical or anesthetic complications, potential urinary obstruction in male cats, orthopedic issues, and potential behavioral problems.

Is Early Spay/Neuter Associated With More Surgical or Anesthetic Complications?

In 2000, Land reported on a survey of 85 veterinarians who had collectively performed approximately 200 000 early spays/neuters (dogs and cats).12 The veterinarians unanimously stated that early spays/neuters were safer, faster, and easier than the same surgeries in dogs and cats 6 months of age or older. 

In a prospective study of dogs and cats, Howe compared short-term complication rates among 3 groups of animals: sterilized at younger than 12 weeks, at 12 to 23 weeks, and at 24 weeks or older.13Researchers measured complications during anesthesia, surgery, and the immediate postoperative period (up to 7 days) and classified complications as being major (requiring treatment or resulting in increased morbidity or mortality) or minor (requiring no treatment). For incidence of major complications, they found no differences among the 3 groups. However, for incidence of minor complications, they found a significant difference; rates were highest among animals in the oldest group and lowest among those in the youngest group.13

Anesthetic drugs and protocols today are safe and effective for pediatric and juvenile patients. In 2002, Root Kustritz reported that the anesthetic drugs and anesthetic protocols in use at the time were perfectly safe for use in kittens as young as 6 to 14 weeks of age.14 Concerns about small body size, hypothermia, and hypoglycemia are valid and require that the veterinary staff pay attention to maintaining body temperature and minimizing the length of time that food is withheld before surgery. Risk for hypothermia can be minimized by limiting the amount of hair clipped; using warm scrub solutions without alcohol; and using warming devices such as water-circulating heating pads, forced warm air flow, or active polymer warming blankets. Risk for hypoglycemia can be minimized by not withholding food for more than 2 hours before surgery."

To be fair, my sister in law is a vet (graduated last year) and said that between 4 months and 6 months is fine and it's not going to hurt. So we're just gonna wait a little longer! He isn't going outside yet anyway. 

That's fine, it's a choice for anyone after all I just know a lot of people hold off until 6 months or even a year because of old advice. There is no real danger, but if he does mature early you can get spraying and aggression which is what I meant earlier rather than suggesting that the blinds activity was agression.

have you considered plantation shutters? Our cats used to go crazy at all blinds but none of our current ones have bothered with shutters and no cables or wires for them to fiddle with, also let's you have the window open a bit for air without them being able to access them

Rosa_Damascena

FreeBear said:

The kitten needs something else to play with and stimulate him - Catnip mice are one of my go-to toys. A feather on the end of a string/stick is also handy.

To dissuade a particular activity, a water pistol is effective - Used it on a previous cat that likes to claw furniture. A few squirts up the backside, and he found another hobby.

That made me laugh.

Goose is a proper Aristocat! I love his little boots.

greensalad

ashe said:

greensalad said:

ashe said:

greensalad said:

ashe said:

Out of interest why are you waiting for him to hit 6 months before neutering? 

Vet recommendation. He weighs enough but we were told as he's likely to be a (mostly) indoor cat, that waiting a little longer will allow his urinary tract to develop better which can reduce chances of urinary infections in the future. 

tbh having had kittens before I don't think and of his actions are particularly "male aggression". He seems just as annoying as any of my other female, fixed kitties. 

I think your vets Information is out of date.  

"

Does Early Neutering Increase the Potential for Urinary Tract Obstruction?

The most frequent argument in support of delaying male cat neutering is that performing this procedure before the cat is sexually mature predisposes the cat to urethral obstructions. The myth that neutering a cat before it reaches sexual maturity results in a smaller penis and predisposes the cat to urinary tract obstruction has been proven to be false. In a 1996 study, Root et al. demonstrated no difference in urethral diameter between cats neutered at 7 weeks, neutered at 7 months, or left intact.15 None of the short-term or long-term studies have shown increased incidence of urinary obstruction among neutered male cats."

"Benefits of Spaying/Neutering Cats Younger than 5 Months of Age2

• Decreases the risk for mammary carcinoma 
• Eliminates reproductive emergencies such as pyometra and dystocia 
• Prevents unintended pregnancies (which may occur as early as 4 months of age) 
• Potentially decreases behavioral problems linked with cat relinquishment

"

Concerns About Early Spay/Neuter

Despite the above findings, some still question the advisability of reducing the age at which cats should be spayed/neutered, expressing concerns about surgical or anesthetic complications, potential urinary obstruction in male cats, orthopedic issues, and potential behavioral problems.

Is Early Spay/Neuter Associated With More Surgical or Anesthetic Complications?

In 2000, Land reported on a survey of 85 veterinarians who had collectively performed approximately 200 000 early spays/neuters (dogs and cats).12 The veterinarians unanimously stated that early spays/neuters were safer, faster, and easier than the same surgeries in dogs and cats 6 months of age or older. 

In a prospective study of dogs and cats, Howe compared short-term complication rates among 3 groups of animals: sterilized at younger than 12 weeks, at 12 to 23 weeks, and at 24 weeks or older.13Researchers measured complications during anesthesia, surgery, and the immediate postoperative period (up to 7 days) and classified complications as being major (requiring treatment or resulting in increased morbidity or mortality) or minor (requiring no treatment). For incidence of major complications, they found no differences among the 3 groups. However, for incidence of minor complications, they found a significant difference; rates were highest among animals in the oldest group and lowest among those in the youngest group.13

Anesthetic drugs and protocols today are safe and effective for pediatric and juvenile patients. In 2002, Root Kustritz reported that the anesthetic drugs and anesthetic protocols in use at the time were perfectly safe for use in kittens as young as 6 to 14 weeks of age.14 Concerns about small body size, hypothermia, and hypoglycemia are valid and require that the veterinary staff pay attention to maintaining body temperature and minimizing the length of time that food is withheld before surgery. Risk for hypothermia can be minimized by limiting the amount of hair clipped; using warm scrub solutions without alcohol; and using warming devices such as water-circulating heating pads, forced warm air flow, or active polymer warming blankets. Risk for hypoglycemia can be minimized by not withholding food for more than 2 hours before surgery."

To be fair, my sister in law is a vet (graduated last year) and said that between 4 months and 6 months is fine and it's not going to hurt. So we're just gonna wait a little longer! He isn't going outside yet anyway. 

That's fine, it's a choice for anyone after all I just know a lot of people hold off until 6 months or even a year because of old advice. There is no real danger, but if he does mature early you can get spraying and aggression which is what I meant earlier rather than suggesting that the blinds activity was agression.

have you considered plantation shutters? Our cats used to go crazy at all blinds but none of our current ones have bothered with shutters and no cables or wires for them to fiddle with, also let's you have the window open a bit for air without them being able to access them

I did consider whether we change out the blinds for something else. Problem is, we moved in in March and put all new blinds in and they're all the same style! These ones were actually already here, it was just the two front windows that already had blinds but we loved them so much that we found the label on them and ordered them for everywhere else. So I think every room in my whole house now has the same blinds! Haha. He only seems to have an interest in these ones and the ones in my office. I suspect because they are the only two with deep windowsills that he can climb onto, the others would be more precarious. 

I'm holding out that he will eventually get bored. I'm really not a fan of the plantation style shutters. Personally for me I think they block out too much light, my Mum has them. They look very good in Victorian houses and such too, but my house is 1960s and I think the slimmer venetian wood slat blinds look better here. 

twopenny

What a beautiful kitten!
And a real look of mischief.
Re water pistols, i bought a mini soaker that only gives a squirt to deal with pigeons making out on the extension roof in the early hours.
I've since used it on arguing cats and seagulls. I haven't wetted any of them but it got the message across and no repeated behaviour.
Also it's good fun. 

ashe

Spraying cats with water isn't really recommended behaviourally. It's a bit like
rubbing a puppies nose in poo; something many people say but doesn't really work effectively. 

TripleH

Goose is lovely. He has the same regal stance of our eldest boy (as a kitten), he is Burmese.

Our other 3 cats were neutered when quite young, we had them from kittens.

Our rescue cat wasn't neutered, I assume down to his previous owners.

He is currently climbing the protective fence to our raised bed...

greensalad

ashe said:

Spraying cats with water isn't really recommended behaviourally. It's a bit like
rubbing a puppies nose in poo; something many people say but doesn't really work effectively. 

My research suggests that you can train a cat with negative association but only if it doesn't come from YOU. So like spraying them with water makes you a negative thing, not the water. Whereas if you can make something negative happen when they do a partiular action (tinfoil on the counter top, don't like), then they'll think "I won't bother going up there again".

That's the theory behind the compressed air can. It's not me doing the air squirt, it's just "when I go over there there's a nasty squirt of air, don't like". Problem is, Goose is a little too intelligent and has learnt the can is the issue not the location, so he'll only avoid going somewhere when the can is present and I can't have it present everywhere at all times!