What have we done? Cats, 6; Tsu and Ivan, 2

  • Thread starter Ivan Seeking
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation involved a stray cat that showed up in bad condition and was taken in by the speakers. They discuss the different options for dealing with stray cats and decide to keep him. The cat is very affectionate and they wonder what happened to him. They also mention other animals that live on their property, such as skunks, racoons, nutria, and opossum. The speakers express concern for the safety of their cats around these animals, particularly opossum and racoons. They also mention their fear of encountering a mountain lion on their property.
  • #1
Ivan Seeking
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
8,142
1,755
What have we done?? Cats, 6; Tsu and Ivan, 2

We had another stray show up who was in pretty rough shape. We have learned the hard way that once they latch on, we have three choices:

1). Take to shelter [almost certainly doomed to either life in prison, or death]
2). Watch them slowly starve to death. Possible disease threat to our other cats
3). Be complete idiots and take them in.

So, we opt to be complete idiots. This one is an orange neutered male, approx 7 year old, with medium length hair [breed?], now named Isaac [I don't know why Isaac... it just popped out]. He had mats on his back that formed a clump as large as a fist. He has an infection in his mouth, he is thin, he stunk to high heaven, and he was filthy. But a day with the Vet did wonders and he turns out to be an extremely affectionate kitty. Not a wild cat by any means, he was certainly someone's pet. Either he got lost, or someone moved and left him behind, or he was dumped in the hills behind us. The vet said that they have seen a lot of abandoned pets since the economy tanked.

I would guess that he has been on his own for at least several months; no more than half a year I would think. But there was no mistaking the fact that at one time he was a pet. It only took a few minutes to gain his confidence to the point where he would lie right on top of me to sleep. In fact he is so affectionate that I have to wonder what did happen. This clearly was a cat that someone loved and gave a great deal of attention. In any event, as some here know, he hit the jackpot when he hit our place. Tsu and I are both complete suckers for animals.

So we now have Zoobie, Bun III, Little Tyke, Jack, Mr. Spock [another stray who has been around for three years now], and Isaac.

Btw, we have some acreage that acts like a stray cat net. They follow the creek down out of the hills. Our place is one of the first places to land.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


all you need is one more and the rumors the kids in town are always talking about will come true. You know the ones "stay away from that weird old couple with all the cats."
 
  • #3


Tell me about it! I am thinking that another dog might not be a bad idea. The reason for not getting more dogs was that I wanted to reduce the animal load. Cripes, that idea sure failed miserably! Since the dogs all got old and died, we have adopted four new cats, skunks take over for two months every summer. We now have racoons, nutria, deer, and turkeys living here at one time of the year or another, which is cool, but that also tends to attract predators that could eat the cats. I am almost positive that I saw a coyote on the property the other day.
 
  • #4


what's a nutria?
 
  • #5


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/Myocastor_coypus3.jpg/299px- [Broken]

The coypu, or nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a large, herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent and the only member of the family Myocastoridae. Originally native to temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by fur ranchers.[2] Although it is still valued for its fur in some regions, its destructive feeding and burrowing behaviors make this invasive species a pest throughout most of its range.

There are two commonly-used names in the English language for Myocastor coypus. The name nutria (or local derivatives such as "nutria- or nutra- rat") is generally used in North America and Asia; however, in Spanish-speaking countries, the word nutria refers to the otter. To avoid this ambiguity, the name coypu (derived from the Mapudungun word kóypu)[3] is used in Latin America and Europe.[4] In France, the coypu is known as a ragondin. In Dutch it is known as beverrat (beaver rat). In Italy, instead, the popular name is, like in North America and Asia, nutria, but it is also called castorino (little beaver), by which its fur is known.
wiki - nutria

A somewhat interesting story here in Oregon: Back in the 1930s, these were imported from Louisiana in hopes of making money selling the furs. In the end the venture failed and many nutria were turned loose. Before long they were everywhere and are now considered a real pest!

ABSTRACT: The nutria or coypu, Myocastor coypus, is a large semi-aquatic rodent that superficially resembles an overgrown muskrat or a stunted beaver. They were introduced into Oregon from about 1930 to the 195O's. At one time Oregon had more than 600 fur farmers raising these animals for fur; now there are none. Some animals escaped and many others were released into the w i l d when it became apparent that pelt values were nonexistent and production costs greatly exceeded profits. Being prolific and quite mobile the nutria quickly spread through much of western Oregon. By the 1960's damage to agricultural crops was common to severe in western Oregon. Crops damaged included seed, grain, forage, hay and trees. Burrowing damage to stream banks, field borders and farm ponds was reported in many areas...
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1026&context=vpc6

That reminds me, we've had opossum living here as well.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #6


Opossum scare me. I wouldn't brag about having them around. The only cute opossum I've ever seen was in "The song of the South" Could you imagine coming face to face with an opossum late at night and have a little girl scream at the same time. That would probably be enough to make me wet myself.
 
  • #7


tribdog said:
Opossum scare me. I wouldn't brag about having them around.

Brag?? Opossum are nasty little creatures that pose a threat to our cats. Raccoons are cool, but they too can be very dangerous.

raccoon.jpg


To tell you truth, I even worry a bit about mountain lions. If one happened to nest on the property and saw me walking about here at night, which I do almost every night, I too might be considered prey.
 
Last edited:
  • #8


'Posssums aren't bad. At our old place (still just a tick under 45 deg N lat) we had one come to our bird-feeder every night to eat sunflower seeds. He NEVER came alone - not once. He was always accompanied by at least one cat, one skunk, or one raccoon, and often by two or more of the above. It was ridiculous how popular the 'possum was with the other animals. One of the cats belonged to some people a couple of houses away, and she was a really skittish calico that always seemed to be hanging with a skunk, though I only saw her at night. It's odd what you can see when you flip on the outside lights at midnight or after.
 
  • #9


I think you would have to step on a mountain lion cub before you would be attacked. I've had a very difficult time just seeing one in the wild and I keep jerky in my pockets. Maybe a mountain lion has been watching you and sees you taking care of all those stray cats. So you'll be safe because mountain lions are like the patron saints of house cats.
 
  • #10


turbo-1 said:
'Posssums aren't bad. At our old place (still just a tick under 45 deg N lat) we had one come to our bird-feeder every night to eat sunflower seeds. He NEVER came alone - not once. He was always accompanied by at least one cat, one skunk, or one raccoon, and often by two or more of the above. It was ridiculous how popular the 'possum was with the other animals. One of the cats belonged to some people a couple of houses away, and she was a really skittish calico that always seemed to be hanging with a skunk, though I only saw her at night. It's odd what you can see when you flip on the outside lights at midnight or after.

I flip on the inside light and watch roaches scatter. They never come alone either.
 
  • #11


Re the cats and predators, the tables are turned on the turkeys. For the last couple of years, Bun and Zoobie have learned how to stalk and catch them. The cats can only deal with the young turkeys, but if its early enough in the season, every now and then its all feathers and screaming! Funny too, we have seen our cats teaming-up with the neighbor's cats in order to catch them birds.
 
Last edited:
  • #12


tribdog said:
I think you would have to step on a mountain lion cub before you would be attacked. I've had a very difficult time just seeing one in the wild and I keep jerky in my pockets. Maybe a mountain lion has been watching you and sees you taking care of all those stray cats. So you'll be safe because mountain lions are like the patron saints of house cats.

Heh, actually mountain lions are a problem; esp in areas where homes are built on previously wild land. In the hills around Los Angeles, while I was growing up, it was somewhat common for a lion to attack a lone biker, or esp a lone jogger. What seems to happen is that the cats lose their fear of humans and become more aggressive. If there is a drought or shortage of food, lookout!

As for this area, not too long ago there was even a nesting pair found living in a vacant lot, in a residential area, in the local town. But we do have ranchers in the area. If there is a problem they are usually all over it.
 
Last edited:
  • #13


could you imagine turning around to see mountain lion running at you? The only thing scarier would be a mountain lion sized opossum. Except that opossums don't run at you. they drop onto you. right onto your neck. and little girls scream in the background every time you look into an opossum's eyes. I've heard-and I don't know if its true or not-that if you shave an opossum's belly and do a dot to dot with the nipples it draws a pentagram.
 
Last edited:
  • #14


tribdog said:
could you imagine turning around to see mountain lion running at you? The only thing scarier would be a mountain lion sized opossum. Except that opossums don't run at you. they drop onto you. right onto your neck. and little girls scream in the background every time you look into an opossum's eyes.
(scary music... starting really low, and building, building, building...) AHHHHH!
 
  • #15


turbo-1 said:
'Posssums aren't bad. At our old place (still just a tick under 45 deg N lat) we had one come to our bird-feeder every night to eat sunflower seeds. He NEVER came alone - not once. He was always accompanied by at least one cat, one skunk, or one raccoon, and often by two or more of the above. It was ridiculous how popular the 'possum was with the other animals. One of the cats belonged to some people a couple of houses away, and she was a really skittish calico that always seemed to be hanging with a skunk, though I only saw her at night. It's odd what you can see when you flip on the outside lights at midnight or after.

Funny! And cats and skunks certainly get along just fine. We have seen this many times with our cats... and the yearly invasion of skunks. I have always wondered if Pepe Le Pew was based on this fact. But they are a threat - diseases and parasites if nothing else.

Goats and horses love each other as well.
 
  • #16


I've seen goats and dogs playing together. I've even seen a dog lift its leg on a bush and have have a goat go and lift its leg on the bush right after. that cracked me up.
 
  • #17


We have also caught the cats playing hide-n-seek in the bushes with the deer. THAT is really funny! Of course the cat is the one doing all of the hiding. :biggrin:
 
  • #18


Ivan Seeking said:
Funny! And cats and skunks certainly get along just fine. We have seen this many times with our cats... and the yearly invasion of skunks. I have always wondered if Pepe Le Pew was based on this fact. But they are a threat - diseases and parasites if nothing else.

Goats and horses love each other as well.
Cats and skunks get along fine. A friend of mine (who worked the same shifts as me on the paper machine) was really panicky for a while because his daughter's cat started bringing a skunk home regularly, and they would often be hanging 'round the outside food-dish that was left on the side porch for the cat. Paul thought that he'd get sprayed by the skunk if he inadvertently spooked it. Truth is, that skunk was getting top-drawer treatment and would never have sprayed him, unless he deliberately harmed the critter. Skunks are very intelligent and sociable. Much more so than cats.
 
  • #19


tribdog said:
I've seen goats and dogs playing together. I've even seen a dog lift its leg on a bush and have have a goat go and lift its leg on the bush right after. that cracked me up.
Did you follow suit? If not, why not? Did you explain to the dog and goat? Your public needs to know... c'mon...
 
  • #20


turbo-1 said:
Did you follow suit? If not, why not? Did you explain to the dog and goat? Your public needs to know... c'mon...

I don't lift my leg, I squat. I think its because I was fixed before I was full grown.
 
  • #21


I'm going to go a bit off topic here, but the cat bringing the skunk home made me think of it. Did you know grizzly bears and polar bears can mate? the offspring are called pizzlies and I didn't make that up.
 
  • #22


tribdog said:
I don't lift my leg, I squat. I think its because I was fixed before I was full grown.
Oh, sure! Blame the "procedure" if you want. I don't care if you're a "pointer" or a "setter", just 'fess up.

As Captain Scuttle said when asked if any of his escorts were bi-lingual:
That's none of my business, and we don't discriminate against the homo-sapiens or the Lebanese.
 
  • #23


I had someone ask me if I was illiterate and I said I'm not illiterate, I know who my daddy is.
 
  • #24


I'm not sure I'd want to handle all the litter disposal for 6 cats. Best of luck to you with your new family member, sounds like a sweetheart.
 
  • #25


This is not directly related, but I think I can tie it in. My daughter brought home a pair of goldfish in a bowl. Being fairly well acquainted with my daughter, my first reaction was "poor fish". She told me they belong to her boyfriend who would pick them up in the morning and take them to his house. That was two weeks ago. I never saw anyone change their water or feed them, although there is a jar of fish flakes (not bad tasting, but rather salty). Sure enough, one died the other day. I cleaned out the bowl, the castle, and the gravel, and put fresh water in while the survivor patiently (for all I could tell) waited in a tea cup. I swapped the water in the tea cup and then poured cup and fish back into the bowl and added flakes. That was three days ago. I just did it again this morning. I hate pets of all kinds, but this has become a challenge to see if I can keep it alive. However, I can't say why. That's the tie in with the 6 cats.
 
  • #26


hypatia said:
I'm not sure I'd want to handle all the litter disposal for 6 cats. Best of luck to you with your new family member, sounds like a sweetheart.

He is a real sweety - very loving. Best of all he is virtually oblivious to the other cats. Nothing seems to bother him and we've seen no signs of aggression from him or anyone else. Also, most of the cats go outside to do their duty. They are all indoor-outdoor cats. For that matter, Bun lives in my office and Zoobie is a bit of a ghost - she isn't around much. Mr Spock just stops into visit a bit here and there - to eat - unless it gets really cold. Little Tyke sticks to me like glue. :redface: Bun and Jack have a truce - he stays out of my office and she doesn't rip him to pieces. :biggrin: So he stays around the house. But he is a real piss bucket and he does use the box at times, so he alone upped the duty quite a bit.
 
Last edited:
  • #27


turbo-1 said:
Cats and skunks get along fine. A friend of mine (who worked the same shifts as me on the paper machine) was really panicky for a while because his daughter's cat started bringing a skunk home regularly, and they would often be hanging 'round the outside food-dish that was left on the side porch for the cat. Paul thought that he'd get sprayed by the skunk if he inadvertently spooked it. Truth is, that skunk was getting top-drawer treatment and would never have sprayed him, unless he deliberately harmed the critter. Skunks are very intelligent and sociable. Much more so than cats.

Well, you know what happens here.
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/4561/skunk1an7.jpg [Broken]

But you are right. I can easily get close enough to pet them if I dared. They are pretty fearless really.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #28


jimmysnyder said:
I hate pets of all kinds, but this has become a challenge to see if I can keep it alive. However, I can't say why. That's the tie in with the 6 cats.

It sounds like it is time for you to move up in the world. Send me your address and we'll hook you right up.

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/5861/skunk2nr7.jpg [Broken]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #30


LOL! That's so cute with his tongue hanging out. He looks all tuckered out from something. :biggrin: I like his color too...a nice light blonde.
 
  • #31


Isaac should be a LOLcat!
 
  • #32


Hee! I've not seen a cat sleeping with their tongue hanging all the way out. The tip sticking out a bit, sure. But this? This is special. Isaac must be so entirely comfortable he can relax as far as a being can relax. He's lovely.
 
  • #33


Moonbear said:
LOL! That's so cute with his tongue hanging out. He looks all tuckered out from something. :biggrin: I like his color too...a nice light blonde.

That picture was taking soon after his teeth were all pulled. His tongue hung out a lot for a time. :biggrin:

He is an absolutely wonderful cat. He is extremely affectionate and almost always playful. Also, he never digs in the claws. He has rather large feet and could do some real damage, but he has never once scratched Tsu or I or gotten mean with any of the other cats. Strangely enough, he has actually helped to reduce the tension between other cats that don't get along well. It seems to be a result of his endless good nature.
 
  • #34


That's great that he's such a sweetie and gets along with everyone. With 6 cats, you sure don't need kitty wars. Of course, he has to be nice...he doesn't have any teeth left to defend himself! :tongue2:
 
  • #35


Wow, I've never heard of that...why did he have to get all his teeth out?
 
<h2>1. What is the significance of "Cats, 6; Tsu and Ivan, 2"?</h2><p>The phrase "Cats, 6; Tsu and Ivan, 2" likely refers to a study or experiment involving cats and two individuals named Tsu and Ivan. The numbers 6 and 2 could represent the number of cats or the number of trials conducted.</p><h2>2. What was the purpose of the study involving cats, Tsu, and Ivan?</h2><p>Without further context, it is difficult to determine the exact purpose of the study. However, it likely involved observing the behavior or reactions of cats in the presence of Tsu and Ivan, or studying the effects of a certain variable on cats.</p><h2>3. Who conducted the study mentioned in "Cats, 6; Tsu and Ivan, 2"?</h2><p>Again, without more information, it is impossible to say for sure. However, it is likely that a group of scientists or researchers conducted the study.</p><h2>4. What were the results of the study involving cats, Tsu, and Ivan?</h2><p>The results of the study could vary greatly depending on the specific goals and methods of the study. It is important to note that without more context, it is impossible to accurately answer this question.</p><h2>5. How does the study involving cats, Tsu, and Ivan contribute to our understanding of cats?</h2><p>The study may have provided insights into the behavior, reactions, or preferences of cats in certain situations. It could also potentially contribute to our understanding of the effects of certain variables on cats. However, without more information, it is impossible to determine the exact impact of the study on our understanding of cats.</p>

1. What is the significance of "Cats, 6; Tsu and Ivan, 2"?

The phrase "Cats, 6; Tsu and Ivan, 2" likely refers to a study or experiment involving cats and two individuals named Tsu and Ivan. The numbers 6 and 2 could represent the number of cats or the number of trials conducted.

2. What was the purpose of the study involving cats, Tsu, and Ivan?

Without further context, it is difficult to determine the exact purpose of the study. However, it likely involved observing the behavior or reactions of cats in the presence of Tsu and Ivan, or studying the effects of a certain variable on cats.

3. Who conducted the study mentioned in "Cats, 6; Tsu and Ivan, 2"?

Again, without more information, it is impossible to say for sure. However, it is likely that a group of scientists or researchers conducted the study.

4. What were the results of the study involving cats, Tsu, and Ivan?

The results of the study could vary greatly depending on the specific goals and methods of the study. It is important to note that without more context, it is impossible to accurately answer this question.

5. How does the study involving cats, Tsu, and Ivan contribute to our understanding of cats?

The study may have provided insights into the behavior, reactions, or preferences of cats in certain situations. It could also potentially contribute to our understanding of the effects of certain variables on cats. However, without more information, it is impossible to determine the exact impact of the study on our understanding of cats.

Similar threads

  • General Discussion
2
Replies
65
Views
10K
  • General Discussion
Replies
28
Views
5K
Replies
60
Views
6K
  • General Discussion
6
Replies
208
Views
33K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • General Discussion
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Art, Music, History, and Linguistics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • General Discussion
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • General Discussion
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • General Discussion
Replies
23
Views
4K
Back
Top