Here is a post of mine from a cat-lovers board I though someone here might like!:
pics of my babies-
http://www.geocities.com/ladylvsnyt/bookofreflections.html
I have a Norwegian Forest Cat, Magick(Mage), who is black with a spot of white locket and some on his belly-bellys. I have a white short-haired odd-eye, Merlin. and my little darling and the bane of her brothers--my gray tabby Mau, Mystick(Myssi).
I make their cat food. I find it cheaper and healthier and I know they will eat it. I buy either canned fish(tuna, salmon, mackerel)or baby food(First Foods)meats--they LOVE the ham, beef, chicken and turkey--not much for the veal, or when I am splurging for a holiday treat i sometimes get them crabmeat, shrimp or liver pate. I add to one of these meats 3 tablespoons of Gerber's 'Rice Cereal with Formula' and either a couple of capsules of fish oils or a teaspoon of the made-for-pets shiny coat oil, and enough water to make it the right consistency. One little jar of baby food feeds all three cats for a whole day's meals---this is ALOT cheaper than me buying cans and cans of the stuff they let go bad or dried up because they didn't want it anymore. They never turn their noses up at baby food. I have a hairball formula extra fiber dry kibble always available with fresh water(if it is not freshened frequently I have three howling protestors about environmental issues!)and occasionally my big Wegie still wants some 'milky' or yogurt. I give them their 'salad' every day and sometimes a couple of tablespoons of that frozen mixed veggie bag for soups with the little diced veggies--with butter of course.
yes, flipping open a can is faster, but not always easier. Stinky and messy getting it out of the can especially early in the AM when every one is demanding breakfast. the baby food mix can be made the night before and refrigerated--it serves easier chilled and the cats dont mind. Does not stink up the fridge. I also serve them on small paper plates. They like having fresh plates every day and I like just tossing them when they are done. for the kibble trough I lined an old wooden tea tray with waxed paper-just replace the paper when you need to.
and for the tubby time or giving medicine, or cleaning ears and eyes....nothing beats one of those mesh laundry bags like for putting pantyhose and delicates in! put the cat in the bag, draw the closure up to cats neck about like a collar for tightness and VOILA! Kitty cant run away, but you can bathe them right thru the mesh! also you can roll them in a towel(in the mesh bag) to give pills, and other meds. Just do not ever leave them unattended in the bag---it could be fatal.
I have walked my Wegie on a lead ever since he was a baby kitten, but one word of advice---get a figure '8' harness if you attempt to do this...it is nearly impossible for them to get out of it and I have seen cats majorly freak on leashes before.
My favorite kitty story happened when Mage was a baby. He was playing with the double cords on the window blinds. He had one foot on one cord and was smacking the other one with his free paw. All of a sudden his claw stuck and he unlocked the blinds -and down they came and up he went! He was attached to the blind cord and ended up standing on his hind legs barely touching the sill until I could get him free. He never played with blinds again!(And I keep the cords taped now.)
Ravyn
