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(That’s Blogtown reader Suzannah’s cat Neptune, posing with Chairman Mao. Feel free to send me your cat pictures if you want to see ’em up here.)

Here’s your rather disturbing cat news of the day:

Man apparently killed for killing cat

And while we’re on the subject (of cats, not killings): My roommate recently got a new cat, an adorable-but-horrible little thing we’ll call “Nermal,” even though her name is Luca. My cat Queequeg rightfully despises Nermal, and has been spending less and less time at home since the new cat arrived. I have suspected for a while that he might have another family, because sometimes when he comes home he smells different–like one of those synthetic air fresheners. Sounds crazy, right? I know it does, because when I tried to tell my friends this they either made cat lady jokes or quickly changed the subject.

BUT. Queequeg came home a few days ago with a bite wound on his neck for which he had clearly received medical treatment. Someone else is caring for my cat, and it’s kind of weirding me out. I mean, it’s nice that he’s found a new safe space since he obviously doesn’t feel comfortable at home, but what if they try to catnap him? What if he has a new sex bear?
What if the family who’s caring for him has a little crippled boy who’s bedridden from the consumption, and I try to reclaim Queequeg and the parents are all, “That cat is the only thing that makes little Billy smile anymore”? And little Billy is like, “Cough cough… Please, mum, I do so love this cat….”?

I should note that while Q has a microchip, he rarely tolerates a collar for more than a few days at a time (and right now he does have a wound on his neck so putting even a short-term collar on him is not an option). I’m not sure what if anything to do about this–if anyone has any suggestions (either about resolving the kitty territory issues at home, making sure my cat doesn’t get catnapped, or shutting down little consumptive boys) I would love to hear them.

Alison Hallett served nobly as the Mercury's arts editor from 2008-2014. Her proud legacy lives on.

8 replies on “Cat Friday.”

  2. so, you may have heard this before, but the best way to avoid this problem is to keep your cat indoors. although Q may behave like a tormented soul when denied the great outdoors, really it’s in his (and your) best interests. he’s healthier, safer, you save on vet bills, worry, and concern about the sluts who are luring your kitteh away. 🙂

  3. A few more suggestions:

    1) Track your cat: http://www.mr-lee-catcam.de/ct_index.htm (I can think of all kinds of other uses for this thing too.)

    2) Apparently, your kitty is getting what it needs from someone else that he isn’t getting enough of from you.

    3) Cats cannot resist tuna. Train him that in the middle of the night, when you’re getting a glass of water or something, also give him a little tuna. Make it routine and he will worship you.

    4) He’s just not that into you.

  4. Can’t really help with your dilemna. But, I would advise taking your cat to a vet pronto. Cats are very prone to abscesses when they get in fights with other cats. A vet can properly clean the cut and give a dose of anti-biotics. If you don’t it might get an abscess which is painful, gross (puss & blood) and can be really costly to fix. Unfortunately, this has happened to two of my cats after fights – and has resulted in surgery, goofy elizabethan collars, and big bills for me. You’d think I would have learned after the first time, but I thought the wound looked like it was healing okay – apparently, it wasn’t.

  5. It always amazes me to see people patting themselves on the back for taking in “strays”. How do they know they’re not stealing someone’s cat!

    If you want to protect Queequeg from these do-gooders (and cars), I second the indoor cat sentiment. I have a cat now who spent over a decade as an indoor-outdoor cat. Now she’s only indoors and at her age, she seems to like the security. Your guy might like some security as well if he’s just been in a fight. Now’s the time.

    Things to remember: a clean litterbox is a usable (and non-stinky) litterbox. And if your cat meows wildly for his freedom, give him some attention and play time so he doesn’t get fat and depressed.

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