Using a carrier as a safe place really makes going to the vet so much easier. I give my kitty her treats in her carrier. She loves her carrier. Happy New Year to all !!
My younger cat sleeps in his carrier because we used it as his safe place at night when he was rescued. He got into the routine that he'd be zipped in at night and lined it with comfy blankets for him.
I own the one cat who hates any kind of enclosed spaces :(. She even hates boxes. I’ve tried to make the carrier a special place for her, but she’ll just ignore it!
The best thing I did with my last cat was leave his carrier out and put his favorite bed and blankets in it. I didn’t even do anything else to it, but I did put it by my desk so he could sleep in it or on it while I did my college work. And when a fire broke out in the church next door, it saved his life. I had run home from campus and came in to him absolutely terrified from the smoke and sounds of the firefighters, but as soon as I scooted him towards his carrier he ran right in and I got him out of the house in minutes.
I was so nervous, but I finally adopted a cat. Jackson, I've watched your cable program for years and I finally adopted a new, well, 8 year old 5 pound cat. The poor thing was starving when I got him. He's orange, I call him Bob. The transition to being a first time cat daddy was so unbelievably easy. (you had a everything to do with that) We had some accidents, but when I asked Bob what I could do better, I listened. I let him explore everything and smell everything. He never runs off because he'd rather explore with me! At least I think so. He literally waits for me to catch up. This is an amazing cat. I've found my little nugget, I love him so much. I have a lot to learn but getting a head start on understanding a cat really made the difference. Thank You. Bob and Brian
Don't be too nervous. Just go with the flow .. laugh a lot. And you will do fine. I have six. I had no pets growing up because my mother did not like pets or children. Don't think about that. But my husband got us two cats and I have had babies since 1970. They are delightful. All they need is to train you. Ha ha. Peace and blessings. Gail in Central Florida Sunday, January 2, 2022.
@@gailremp8389 I didn't have pets because I was deathly allergic to the fur, dander and saliva. If I shook the hand of someone that had any kind of animal, I'd be in the ER. Even though, My EX Had to have a cat, so we got a kitten. She was so attached to him and she wouldn't let me take care of him, partly out of fear we'd need to find him a new home. We kept him out of the bedroom so I had somewhat of a sanctuary. I was far less allergic to baby animals than adult animals. It took 5 years to get off the allergy meds and now I can tolerate a cat Ok. It's worth the discomfort, I have no regrets, this little nugget has earned my full trust already. I can't believe how lucky I got finding him. Thank you for the comment.
I find their tails to be the most interesting things about them. Even when they appear to be ignoring you (which is 80% of the time) their tail still twitches if you call their name. Cats tails are very expressive of how they feel, too.
I agree - you can tell a lot about them by their tails. But one of ours is the most tail expressive I've ever known. He wags his tail when he's happy and excited. When he's upset or cross, he holds it off to the side.
As someone who just had to evacuate their apartment at 4 a.m. because of a fire alarm last night, I can confirm that getting them used to their carriers and blocking the unders/overs is SO important in an emergency. I do this with my cat and it took maybe thirty seconds to get her zipped in and ready to go outside. But I was also watching my roommate's cat while they were out of town, and they don't leave out the carrier or block the unders in their room. Their cat was all the way in the back corner under their bed, which I can't move by myself, so I wasn't able to get to her. I really tried, but I ultimately had to leave her behind and felt so guilty and scared. It ended up being a false alarm, but if our apartment had actually been on fire, that would have been it. We would have been devastated. Please don't just assume it won't happen to you, because it can, and a little prevention can make all the difference for our furry family members. Take care everyone
This was so good and so informational. And what you're saying is so true. Sometimes a false alarm is a perfect alarm to learn. You did the right things blessings to you. And thank you for even reaffirming some thing that seems so logical when you think about it. I have six cats. Good god what a mess it would be. I would have to open the back door from the porch to have them just flea outside. So not good
That is one of my worst nightmares. Not being able to get my pets out in time of a fire. There was a fire in an apartment right across from us one time and my boyfriend and I freaked out so our cat did too. He was running and jumping on the walls frantically with his fur all poofed up because he was so scared and I felt so bad for causing him trauma. Heck I ended up spraining my ankle running after him trying to get him in the cage. All because my stupid neighbors decided to leave their apartment for like 20 minutes while they were cooking meat on the stovetop. 😒 Ended up with a scared cat, sprained ankle, and smoke damage to our entire apartment. But luckily the fire damage didn't reach across to our apartment. This is why I don't want too many animals. It's hard enough getting one into a cage. 😥😟
Alex at 4am I've continually got drug people trying to break in! So glad I got him use to his carrier as a safe space before this problem reaccelerated!
I recently adopted a kitten and she was a handful, I wasn't getting any sleep, endless ball of energy. At one point I wasn't sure I could handle it, but I adopted a second one and OMG what a life changer, they play together all day long, sleeping next to each other. Overall my cat looks a lot more happy and I'm getting more sleep
Having to evacuate from the fires in Colorado was so fast and so little time, having my cat easily walk into her carrier was life saving! I always have her carrier next to my bed and in a sunny area to make it a comfy place she enjoys being in.
The last one pushed me over the edge and I adopted a beautiful little kitten to live with my boy. They bonded from day 1 and within a week were sleeping next to each other. He grooms her, they chase each other, they share each others' food, no problems at all. It's like he was waiting his whole life for a companion. So glad I got floof number 2 and our family is complete.
I got a cat backpack as an alternate carrier specifically for emergencies. I live on the 23rd floor, and have a 17lb maine coon, and trying to carry him in his regular carrier down 23 flights of stairs is murder. Even the largest cat backpack is a bit of a tight fit for him, but worth it for short trips/emergencies. I take him out to the lobby in his backpack and give him his Favoritest Treat to make sure he's familiar with it and used to it. When he's ready to go back home, he hops back in it!
What cat backpack did you get ? Size and brand please. I have a Maine Coon too, 18.5 lbs. looking to find a way to travel with him much easier than his regular carrier.
I have a carrier that goes over my shoulder because I live at the bottom of a hill in a tsunami hazard zone, but when there was a false alarm it was still so hard to carry. I now have a large male cat who I don't think would even fit in that, so I'm absolutely going to look into a large backpack. Way better idea!
We got one of those grooming bags for our cat Bonkers, which is basically a duffel bag with zippers for each leg and a velcro collar hole that their head sticks out of. Originally, it was just a comfy restraint for giving her subQ fluids, but it's also turned out to be a great carrier since she can look around more freely/recieve head pats during transport and be in a lap. It also looks hilarious seeing someone carry a duffel bag with a cat head sticking out of the front
@@Kolach0 think the co. is travel cat. I have a nice packback & they have nice large sizes. Also Their chest harnesses are very nice& attach to the BPack for safety so they can have the top open. & packs aren't flimsy.
Best thing I ever did was get two cats after years of only having one cat....two cats are so much happier, less anxious and less bored than one cat on its own. It makes being the owner easier not harder.
My senior gal has lots of medical issues and finding her special food gets harder and harder. If I find cans of food I hope she will eat, I grab them up because everything is in short supply. It can be so frustrating, Cancer, kidney failure, UTIs, I'm happy when she eats anything. She is an adorable little cat that I rescued from a shelter, dirty, stinky and very sad looking. It's been seven months now and she looks like a new cat, I figure no matter how long she has it will be a better life then on he street.
Overview: 1. The Three R's 1:00 2. No Sudden Changes 2:50 3. The Litter Box Code 4:55 4. Water! 6:23 5. Proper Nutrition 7:03 6. Be Proactive 7:57 7. Pet Insurance 10:41 8. Carrier is a Basecamp 11:31 9. Block the Unders 12:45 10. Adopt More Cats! 14:14
I have two very happy kitties. Samantha and Tabitha are now 12 years old. I adopted them from the shelter at the same time as kittens. I’ve been a fan of yours since your first show, and all your advice has been invaluable. 🥰
When I adopted my cat Comet we knew she had potential to be very cuddly but she was also very shy and hid under the bed anytime we came to visit her in her "base". We could pet her if we took her from under the bed, and she was ok (purring, kneading, headbutting) but she'd run back under at the first weird noise. I bought a bed frame with underside drawers, so she couldn't hide, and I can't even begin to tell you how much that has helped her !! She's still a shy kitty, but it helped decensitise her so much !!
I once had a little cat who was scared of everything. Once on a yearly checkup, the vet had to anesthetize her in order to do the usual things. Then a new vet joined the practice. She placed a hand on Mimi, and Mimi instantly relaxed. That got me to be aware of my tone of voice and muscle tension, so I could communicate good vibes. I usually keep up a patter about how everything is good, both to reassure the cat and to remind me to relax my muscles. I don't mean to imply any magical action, or that she touched a chi spot, or anything like that -- it's simply that the vet was calm and assured, and Mimi picked up on that and became calm in turn.
@@n.normal1565 When taking my cats to the vet, I would get tense because I was sorry that they would be frightened and unhappy. The vet just touched Miimi in the usual way that a vet will handle a cat, but that, together with her calm tone of voice, communicated that calmness to Mimi. So I tried to train myself to be calm instead of anxious, to help my cats deal with the vet visit better. But, in general, Mimi continued to be a nervous wreck, fleeing in panic at the sound of the telephone or the doorbell, for example, until the end of her life, or at least throughout the first 17 years of it, at which point my older cat died and Mimi found herself the sole object of my affection, which is what she coudn't do without, apparently.
About 2 months ago we lost our older cat due to kidney failure. We were devastated. We noticed our other cat looking for her and we could tell he was starting to get lonely. We took your advice, and rescued the sweetest boy cat, he is such a lover, so calm and playful. We brought him home and we immediately introduced them (we obviously didn't watch that video, and know that we messed up royaly) it wasnt pretty...A fight broke out between them a few days after (we were switching from one room to another) and since then we've kept them separated and slowly started inching their food closer together on opposite sides of the door. We also try to play with them on opposite sides of our sliding door. Our new rescue is so relaxed and just "whatever" about our resident cat, he wants to play with him. Our resident cat is still very unsure of our rescue....our resident is however getting better at not reaching under a door that our rescue cat is in trying to grab hold of him. We would appreciate some advise on how to help our resident cat know that our rescue isn't a threat to him. Thank you!
Yesterday after 4 years my rescue finally curled up on my lap, he has never done this before and I cried. He is happy and cuddly and loving in every other way, so you can see why I cried, I rescued him but really he rescued me.
A quick note on pet insurance: In a lot of countries, including the UK, you can't get pet insurance for FIV+ cats or cats with FLUTD - which makes it REALLY hard to insure rescue cats. Jackson's advice is great; put money away every month - not into general/household savings, but into a savings pot that is specifically for your cat! I'm speaking from experience here, as my FIV+ cat is sleeping on my lap while we get through a FLUTD flare-up, and I'm looking at my bank statement feeling super thankful for my cat savings!
Usually putting the insurance money into a savings account (for pet care) is going to mean you end up spending less overall than you would paying for insurance.
@@nataliebutler Definitely in the beginning. As they age, they need more medical care, just like we do as we age. It's also nice to have as a buffer for those instances when kitty manages to out-maneuver your cat-proofing and ends up in the hospital needing stitches, or cat gods forbid, surgery.
I have a cat who was solo his whole life, got him a friend on his 6th birthday and they are inseparable. He's never liked cats before so I never thought to get him a friend but he's so much more confident now
Mom always insisted that her cats knew not to get her up until 10 or 11 a.m. Or until she wa good and ready to get up. So. One. Morning. About 7:30 they started meowing at her and jumping on and off her bed and smacking at her. Then she heard the noise in the attached garage that had them upset. And heard her car being started. She had told her son to take the car to her mechanic for some work that morning and he had agreed that it would be easier for him to do it than for her to have to get up. She forgot to tell her cats. They did not like that interruption to the normal routine. Once she realized what had gotten them going and told them it was OK they settled down!
Due to my cat following my disabled night owl life, if you force him out of "bed/bedroom" before 2pm at the earliest, He will be proper grumpy. If I have to leave earlier, I ask my housemate to let him out after a specific time, rather than letting him out when I leave. Otherwise he's grumpy that his routine is messed up and will be extra sleepy amongst other things. Like rather than be his energetic self, he becomes a couch potato. We thought he may be ill at first, but it happens each time he is forced to get up "early". He truly is a cat who thrives on routine and having his personal space. He gets grumpy if he doesn't have his "safe personal space" time each day, which is my bedroom. And he needs lots of hours of this. He also takes himself there if he's pissy and truly thinks it is "his" room rather than mine. If I leave on a trip, he will go into the room for several hours a day just to be like "Yes. Just because she isn't here, this is still my room." Where as normally, other than bedtime, he'll only take himself to the room when he's stressed. So I too, have a cat that doesn't wake and become active before a certain time. So I believe your mom! Like when I have a migraine, He will wait until about 7pm when he decides to get up. That's when he's like "I'd like to leave now please mom." And taps his paw on my door for me to let him out. He's my perfect cat in that way. I can sleep 10 hours and he's chill.
The food at specific times to create a rhythm so that your cats don't wake you up all night, is completely accurate. We had a pretty solid rhythm going as far as food schedules go, with feeding our cats right before we sleep, and right after waking up. It went really, really well, until recently when my husband got a new job, so, instead of waking up at 4am, we are now getting up around 6am. Things have been decently "interesting" since the job change. Hoping we all catch up to the new schedule soon.
My cats ALWAYS have a bowl of hard food to eat. Who am I to say they should eat at a certain time. They can control their own appetite if they can eat when hungry.
Just wanted to say that because of you, we got a tall cat tree to replace the one that had been thrown out AND asked for cat beds for Christmas. They LOVE their scent-soaker beds!!!
When I got my cat a second litter box like most people I didn't want to look at it. Unfortunately my apartment is small so the only place I could put was where I could see it while watching tv. So I used the cardboard back of a busted book case to make a privacy screen. I just put it a couple inches in front of the box. my cat was fine with it and I couldn't see her box. Win win 😂
Now I feel really blessed! I knew nothing about cats when I got my two kittens 14 years ago. They have gone through liters changes constantly! Whatever I buy whatever is cheapest no matter whether whether it has smell or not and they've always used their litter boxes!💜💜
I got my second cat this week after a lot of thought and preparation. I still have been stressed with such a big change. These videos help so much and the last tip at the end made me feel good about my decision. Tonight they were playing. Its funny how they naturally interact in a way that no human can substitute. Resident cat enjoys watching new kitten play and is comfortable walking by or having him near her now. She couldnt resist the playfulness tonight and joined in, its all i could have asked for. I'm just so grateful for dedicated animal people like Jackson who support animal lovers and put out great info ❤ Happy new year cat people!
...... Emma,... continued..." the kitty cats interact in a way that no human can substitute". Human love and care is important and the loving relationship that we as humans have with them is so beneficial to both of us. At the same time, having one or more of their same kind," feline", is very good, they can relate to each other in their own special feline way, and that's beautiful too!! 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐈🐈🐈🐈💞💞🙏🙏🙏✝️🕊️ MAY OUR GOD DEARLY BLESS YOU AND ALL YOUR KITTY CATS, IN JESUS HOLY NAME, I PRAY, AMEN ❤️🙏
I see it like... you know when humans are always alone and never really leave the house? it's bad for you, too, and while a cat helps, they aren't human company. same way the other way around. My older cat spent 4 years alone with me so he's taking longer to adjust, but they've had a lot of adorable nose to nose sniffing moments and obsessing over each other's tails that I can't give them lol. even if we never get past this stage I'm so glad I did it. I would probably feel guilty in the future tbh
The shelter I adopted from only allows one cat to be adopted at a time unless they're a bonded pair. Currently in the 30 day wait until I'm allowed a second adoption for my little Princess Yue, and 2 days in I absolutely agree she NEEDS a friend... I forgot how much energy kittens have!
My cat was a single cat for over 8 years, I was scared of how he'd treat a new kitten so kept putting it off. I finally got him a kitten this year and he LOVES her. They are best friends and inseparable. I think that's the best thing I've ever done for him.
My husband and I went to the shelter expecting to adopt just one kitten. We wanted a mini panther. When we found our panther Bruce playing with his tuxedo sister Liberty .... we fell in love and knew we couldn't separate them. We are so glad we brought both home. They are so sweet, so funny and smart, and typical kitten shenanigans has been tame because they have each other for company when we're working.
You made me realize my newly adopted street rescue 2 year old is totally chill. He did awesome with feeding changes, housing differences, and litter changes (went from clumping to pellets 2 months in) without problem. We weren’t even expecting to get a cat so had to use what we could get as essentials easily and get better stuff as we went.
so happy to read this. getting a 4 year old transplant. hoping ,for my budget, to switch to pine pellets. gradually of course. some of the costly suggestions on cat videos are off-putting. poor folks have had cats for centuries, but today's world seems to stratify cat ownership by financial means.
My husband and I are getting older... At 70, I'm disabled, and he also has some health issues. Over the last few years, we've lost all of our clowder save one. Archer, who is 15, is happy by himself. He never tolerated the others well, not even his littermate who we adopted at the same time as he was when they were 10 weeks old. He's a bit of a prima donna and he is well suited to a slower, more subdued lifestyle where nothing much happens or changes over the years. All of our cats, except Archer's brother, who died of cancer at 13 (the last cat we lost) lived into their 20s. We made the decision not to adopt any more cats because we don't want them to be left alone and homeless when we die. But if we lose Archer before we die, we will be devastated. We can't even remember a time when we didn't have at least one cat in the house, we've had as many as 6 at once before. We've thought of fostering an older or handicapped cat, who would go back safely to the rescue agency when we die, but we're worried about being physically able to take care of a cat with special needs. We've never fostered a cat before and we don't know what that would entail. Sorry, this was rambling, but do you have any thoughts about older cat parents and their cats' needs? What arrangements for their cats should older folks take?
Do it. Use your gifts of understanding the babies. Really. I'm 72. Understand. It will give you joy. That's simply the bottom line. And it will give a baby a chance that might end up with some idiot that doesn't have a clue...
What a kind and thoughtful person you are! Your kitties have all been blessed to share your life. Be well; live long and happy; follow your heart when it comes to a foster kitty: Any kitty would be blessed by the experience, no matter what happens next.
@@clairemarie-peterson2411 yep. Well,said. Sometimes we don't appreciate what gifts we have to offer. And we have to have other people encourage us. Lord knows there's enough people in this world that want to discourage us. And kitty cats and puppy dogs and people need love. And if that's what you can do in the right way and make them happy and it makes you happy I don't see a problem with that at all. Peace and blessings to you in our new year. Oh Lordy, let it be better.
Lori Crews, you can quite easily and inexpensively put together a will regarding your adopted felines. I also am physically challenged, I have to tell you, I broke my back at age 46, and I'm more-or-less somewhat ambulatory but having my cat's definitely gives me a reason to get up and do things! The most challenging cat was the last one that ended up blind in both eyes, one eye at a time, and I had to wrap up my furniture with padding and tape up electrical cords but other than that she needed me and I was there for her. My cats have always been there for me, I live alone and after my surgeries they were so understanding. I understand your thought of crossing the Rainbow Bridge before they do but you can take care of that like I said with a a will in advance. I saw some sample ones right here on RUclips so check that out and keep on being a wonderful giving person!
perhaps one way to look at in your case, is that adopting or fostering an older cat keeps that older cat (who is MUCH less likely to get adopted or fostered) from being put down to make room in the shelters for the kittens (that are much easier to adopt out)... for what it's worth, I think you guys should foster and I'm sure the kitty (or kitties) would love spending their senior years with you guys
I adopted my first cat in October, and after listening to your advice and my own heart, I decided to add a second one this week. They're slowly getting used to each other, and I hope they'll have many years together as best friends and sisters!
No lie. I realized why my baby girl was intentionally peeing outside the NEWLY RELOCATED litter box. I moved it back, provided my apology to Nyla, and within 30 minutes she went in her litter box AND made sure both my son and I saw her doing her business! JACKSON YOU ARE THE CAT DADDY!! Thank you.
I've had my Main Coon going on 3 years and I noticed him getting a bored look and I noticed his happiness fading because I am gone 10+ hours a day for work. Even though I am off 3 days a week and try to play with him and give him my undivided attention and gave attention and playtime when I get home but it wasn't enough. I was going to adopt a kitten from a rescue foster parent but while waiting for the kittens to come of age, get fixed and vaccinated, I learned about the mama cat who is about 9 years old and had a rough life of mistreatment and the foster asked me if I knew anyone looking for an older cat. I thought about it a while and decided to adopt the mama instead. She is a beautiful cat and such a good girl. My Maine Coon and her are perfect together, they play, run, chase each other, etc. My Maine Coon came to life again and his energy, playfulness and enthusiasm has returned and the mama cat is a little spitfire and together they're just adorable and both are very happy. I definitely recommend getting a 2nd cat. I have always left the carrier out and one or the other use it as a hideaway and to take a nap but at night, they both sleep with me in the bed and they take turns laying on the heating pad.
Thanks for the video, Jackson! You've sparked love for cats and rescue work in me when I started watching your videos from your "My Cat From Hell" days, and now I work at a high volume spay/neuter clinic for cats and dogs. My two cats are also very grateful for all the tips and tricks you've given me over the years - the vet is always amazed by how healthy and well-behaved they are! Anyway, have a wonderful new year and looking forward to more educational content from you :)
OMG what an amazing comment to see on this first day of the year. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that I could be a part of your rescue journey. If you (or any of your vets) are interested, I would urge you to check out an organization called ViDAS. I’ve worked with them and they are amazing. Vets and techs volunteer to go to places that desperately need people like you to do high volume clinics. We just finished the maiden voyage of a program called GoodFix with Greater Good Charities and fixed almost 2K cats on the island of Kauai. It was such a great feeling to know we’ve helped change the outcome of an overpopulated area. Check it out and again, thank you for your dedication!
@@DarkAddictionx For sure! They are on a combo of pre-made raw and kibble (fed in separate meals). The kibble is definitely not ideal, but it helps to offset the cost of the premade raw. I used to do homemade raw (much cheaper!) but I no longer have access to a good butcher and my cats both got a really upset stomach from grocery store meat (twice! Not gonna try for a third). Hopefully I can switch them raw for good, but I'm giving them the best I can afford, and the vet has not noticed any abnormalities so far so fingers crossed!
My one cat is 14-16ish. We adopted another (selfishly for me cause he doesn’t like too many cuddles) younger cat who is now 3. It took over 6 months to get them to tolerate each other with no litterbox avoidance and fights. Sometimes there is still stuff that ignites fear in one and bullying in the other but mostly they are ok. Giving the new one up was just never an option. Without the young one I don’t think I would have ever been able to switch my old kitty onto raw and sometimes whole prey without my younger one being a role model (she eats anything). It can be done with perseverance and hard work!
Rescued mine from a 2 cat household; they seemed indifferent to each other; no separation anxiety (worst part was the hour drive down from Baltimore). He's living his best life now.
Your programmes have changed my life and all of the cats. Charlie is now letting me brush her, she still messes in one room but when she doesn't I reward her with treats. Thank you.🥰🥰
We have a backpack carrier in our living room that our cat uses as one of her (many) beds and we also go on frequent rides, so that the car doesn't only mean the vet. She loves it so much that on the one occasion she got out of the house, we just took her carrier outside and called her. As soon as she saw that we had it, she came running and jumped right in, ready to go for a ride, which we did. I can't even imagine how hard it would've been to get her back otherwise.
My kitty loves her carrier and her crate. I’m fortunate to live in an area that’s close to a lot of parks and I like to take her on outings in summer. She goes in the carrier for a short car ride or on a walk and I will tie her leash to something so she can explore without being too far out of reach. She just sits in the picnic blanket or in her crate and takes in the sights and smells and eventually naps. She will never like car rides but she doesn’t mind the outings and I’m so grateful that she loves her carrier and crate so much! It helps that I also have the worlds most chill cat. She doesn’t get skittish about anything. Seriously. It’s a little weird but I’m grateful! Haha
My Bombay female eats twice a day, a healthy dry food because she has never liked any wet food even the expensive ones. G-Purrs lived 18+ yrs on dry food. The feeder bowl controls how quickly Onyx eats, use fountain water system. I use Pellet bedding from tractor supply for litter box, urine turns pellets to saw dust that filters into bottom tray, scoop stool into closed diaper pail system. Same in motorhome when we travel to Idaho for the summer. Hugs from my black short Bombay cat Onyx and me too.
I started the 3R’s without even knowing it when I adopted Nina. Is just like a child. We do the same routine everyday starting with emptying the litter box from overnight. Collecting the 4 water bowls, washing and refilling and then Nina’s breakfast. After that, I get to go to the bathroom 😂. Cats first, then me. Play, love and kitty gives herself a licking bath as I get my breakfast ❤
Ever since I had to move with my cat the the second time, when we could finally let him out of the carrier and into our new home, I left the carrier in place so he could return to it if he wanted. We attached his water bottle and food bowl to the door with zip-ties, and tied the door to a table leg so it would stay open. This was so much better for him than just putting the carrier away immediately like the first time we moved. He had a home base instantly, and despite him having been to the vet in the carrier, and having to move on very long drives in the carrier, he willingly hangs out in it!
As an autistic person I can say that cats have been and will always be the perfect partner for me. We appreciate routine and hate sudden changes alike and no one is getting bored by the same pattern as long as you change toys and what not every once in a while. Cats and me, great time 😊
Thank you for the reminder on blocking the "unders" and keeping manageable hiding areas, for the vote of encouragement on giving meds, and on adding more members to the family! These are great thoughts for our new kitten, who after introducing her properly to her older brother have quickly surprised us become best friends!
I am so grateful for your wisdom/experience/cat love. My last cat died a few years ago. Previously I had learned/read little before getting cats-all were strays. But this time I want to be MUCH better informed so that the cats (2) will be much happier/enriched/etc. Thank you.
Jackson, thank you for your advice! I just brought a ferral stray into my house. After ensuring she was fully vaccinated and parasite-free, I began introducing her to my current cat, an 8m kitten who is clicker trained. I'm having a really hard time with the current trained kitty picking up bad habits from the new cat - like hissing, jumping on the table, etc. She *never* used to do any of those things least of all to me! I'd love a video going over more tips on integrating a new cat to a home beyond just the initial intro. Thanks!
First time I’ve watched your videos, I love that you say no dry food! You’ve got a new subscriber. Just got a 12wk old rescue kitten, our last two lived until nearly 22. Hoping this little one has a long and happy life. Your channel will be a great help in this.
Thank you for the encouragement. I have a senior and now a kitten. Challenging to help them get along, but agree that my senior seems secretly happier.
I would love to give my cat a playmate but out apartment has a one pet rule, So I make extra time to play with her. Also no room for and extra litter box small place, so it gets cleaned more often. These are 2 things you have not addressed unless i missed it. She is a health happy girl. I watch you videos, they are always packed with good information with a side of humor. love it.
Hi Jackson, Another year has passed and we are now looking forward to 'Winter Festival of your Choice' 2022! I wanted to thank you for making our two cats happier by spending your time to explain 'how cats work'. I've had cats around me for almost sixty years now after growing up in a home where I was not allowed to have pets. I've shared my life since I 'moved out' of my father's home at age 16 with every bird, fish and animal that I could safely manage to collect around me: dogs, horses, ponies, birds and, of course, cats! I just wanted to 'second your statement' that every cat should have a cat 'pal'. One cat sits on a chair 'dreaming' - but they could be playing wildly on the carpet if they had a cat friend. People who tell me that a cat is 'dull' and makes a poor pet compared to a dog are usually people who have inherited one cat who wandered in from the street and stayed. One dog will adore you. One cat will sit and dream of having 'cat company'! At the moment we have a brother/sister pair of your standard 'black and white cats' that joined our family from a wonderful shelter in Greater Vancouver, BC, Canada, called 'Katie's Place'. 'Katie's' started years ago when a group of cat lovers found a broken-down old house that they could use to house homeless kitties until they could get them spayed and neutered, innoculated and petted, and ready for a new family of their own! 'Katie' was the cat who wandered around the outside of the house but never seemed to want to come in. Now 'Katies Place' has morphed into a wonderful 'purpose built' shelter for cats who need homes. They have a wonderful staff of volunteers who love both the cats that find new homes and the cats that just stay happily at 'Katie's Place' for the rest of their 'nine lives'. Just a reminder for the season: 'Second-hand cats' are wonderful! There is always a cat that will suit you if you can provide a safe home, good vet care, excellent dinners - and love! You don't need to pay a fortune for a cat that will transform your place from a 'house' to a 'home'!
My recommendation is to practice the football carry especially if you have multiples. If in an extreme situation, (even something like a neighborhood dog gets into your house.) you can grab them one under each arm and know you have a safe hold on them. This is useful for a fire or tornado. If you can just grab them an run and be confident that you will not lose them in the process this is golden. It will also help with a situation where you are not at your house and a fireman has to get them out or something. Proper hold: facing front (duh but you would be surprised lol) Arm around the outside of the cat and lifting them from the chest with your hand. You can then grab their front leg as close to their body as possible to secure them. Then with fore arm you can contain them, squish them to keep them from escaping and protect them.
Jackson is right, your attitude about giving meds and clipping toenails determines if your cat will be stressed or act as if it's no big deal. I am so good at peticures that I do it for my friends cats. Even kitties who resist my friends attempts are fine with me. My secret is to make it fun by singing to them and acting like they love it and they're being pampered.
Pesky came to live with me 2 years ago today at 10 years old. She had been indoor/outdoor and had never had her nails clipped. I play with her paws every day as part of her being on my lap. I am up to being able to clip 3 on the same paw at a time. She only bolted for the door once when I left it open for a bit. Otherwise she has been content as indoor only.
I got two kittens. They have different personalities and don’t hang out with each other a lot but I feel they do enjoy having each other around and keep each other entertained.
Considering the fires we just had in Colorado, I really appreciate the part about blocking under the beds and areas we can't get to them quickly. Never thought of that, but what I would do in emergency is at the forefront of my mind right now.
I adopted an adult cat who previously lived another home. They day he realized that I can get under the bed to grab his rotten little butt was priceless 🤣
Thank you for all your videos! We are getting ready to add two kittens to our family. I never lived with cats before and your videos have been helpful to the preparation for them . I have been apprehensive with the thought of Rescuing these kittens do to the horror stories of cats behaviors. You have been a big Help in easing my mind. I have raised my children and it's just like babies. The 3 R's Build A sense of security which creates a confident capable thriving environment. Thank you for sharing your Expertise! I am so excited on the arrival of the kittens!! ❤️
We actually adopted our second cat like 3 weeks ago after getting our first like a year ago. And it's good to see him more active between play sessions. They seem to tolerate each other so far. Been showing them lots of love and has been going well.
9:53 lmao That was basically me. Wasn’t until my husband said “look, I know you mean well, but I think you’re traumatizing them” I was like Elmyra (remember her from Looney Tunes?) creeping slowly towards them going “but I love you and only want to make things better” 😩 Next time I tried trimming nails, I did it casually as my husband and I were watching TV and they were on our laps. I even trimmed _my_ nails - made an event out of it lol. We just continued talking as if nothing was going to happen and made sure they were comfortable - massaged their legs and paws, gave them lots of pats, got them to where they were going belly up. I brought the nail trimmer out and continued to talk to my husband as if it was no big deal. They sat through it without issue. One kind of side-eyed me as soon as I made the first clip then started to smooth them over, but he just exhaled through his nose and closed his eyes like “okay we’re doing this” Ever since, I haven’t had an issue. They even began to enjoy it after a while. It’s one of the things I made sure to keep consistent when it comes to a routine, especially after one of our cats died here recently (they were brothers from the same litter, 12yrs) It’s a routine he’s familiar enough with to maybe understand things will be okay even though his other half is no longer with us. **Edit** In response to the last one, I agree! I am definitely going to get another one soon. We’re waiting for the grieving process to still settle, not only for us but for him (remaining cat), but I would love to adopt and give a sweet cat a forever home. *Which leads me to my question that you or anyone else reading can help me with* … When will I know the time is right to move forward? I’ll forever cherish my memories with my cat and the bond he had with his brother. I mean, I had a mini funeral for him - I still get teary eyed thinking about how much I miss him, but I still don’t want the cat we still have to be lonely (and he is). I just don’t know how to tell when it’s the right time (we lost him on 12/27/21). He doesn’t sit at the end of the bed anymore watching for his brother to come down the hallway. He is back to his sleeping routine and isn’t up and down all night wandering through the house meowing, but I don’t know. Should I give it another month to see how things are before we move forward? We’ve been making sure to give him lots of love during this time, but he’s definitely a company cat - enjoys not being alone, and sometimes we can’t always be home with him.
I don’t know when your edit was made, but I firmly believe your kitty that has passed on will send you a new kitty when you and your remaining kitty are ready. ❤️🩹
My cats are into feng shui, it appears they actually embraced and perhaps celebrated the furniture rearrangements. Pleasantly surprised, I was worried they would get stressed. I moved my bed and installed a bookcase headboard... and the kitters are elated!!! The bookcase headboard is a natural cat walk/perch and they like it as new kitty furniture. The direct path was opened up more for fluid zoomability (the thundercat hide n' seek 😂) from the back room down the hall to across my bedroom and into the closet.
My routine for my kitties is they have a garage all fixed up for them to sleep in at night. Heater when it's cold. I have a few cats and they love it. It was hard when I moved to a big house with 3 cats. Your advice is a life saver.. Thank you.
Love, love ur straightforward no nonsense, valuable info! As a former Kennel Manager for years, & now as a Veterinarian Assistant,(& I have 3 cats!) I especially liked ur "make the carrier ur cats safe place" hack! I can't tell u how many pet parents who DON'T follow this advice, struggle with missed or late appointments or terrified cats coming in to board @ the kennel bc they couldn't get their cat into their carrier. Also, blocking off unreachable places cats hide, God forbid, an emergency strikes, we WANT to be able to get r loved ones into their carriers fast & easy! Bravo, to u & ur excellent videos!!
I adopted kittens 2 months ago and your videos have helped me so much! Something I started doing right away that has made all the difference is I set a special alarm for when I feed them. In the past, my cats have woken me up hours ahead of breakfast or have meowed at me for an hour before dinner time... but now they don't ever worry and run to the kitchen with glee when the alarm goes off! And if I happen to not be home for the time I have it set for, I still make sure to play the sound before I feed them the next time!
I will say we recently adopted our cat and she loves going solo. She's 2, and has been in foster homes with other cats. She would seclude, hide and hiss. By herself she is more open, and really embodies cat mojo! She's our little diva and probably an exception to the rule lol. Great video!
Adopting a second cat next to mine was the best decision I ever made. At this point I watch your videos for about two years, and you constantly telling me(us) I should adopt a second made me confident in it. Thank you! All of these tips are working, I'm using them since I'm a cat guardian (the same two years), so thank you again! :)
After a year and a half watching you and the kitten lady, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT video I've seen!! I thought I was pretty educated about being a cat owner (adopted 3 within 3 months), this video is definitely life saving!!!! THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOO much, once again!!! You are truly the best!!!!!!😻😻😻
Jackson, I’ve been watching you since your first season of My Cat From Hell. In October of 2019 I became a first time car mom to two beautiful sweet boys. I have learned a lot from you and felted prepared to go on this adventure. It took one particulate “adopt me” video online that urge red me to adopt my first cats. Fallowing the things I’ve learned from you has made living with these two easy. People who meet our boys are always complimenting on their physic and behavior. Our vet is impressed with their behavior as well as the one time one of them at to go into emergency. The nurses and doctors at the hospital said our cat was a sweetheart and easy to handle. Thank you Jackson for getting me prepared to embark on this grand adventure.
We have 7 cats, all but 2 are rescues. My first cat I got while living with a friend; one of her cats had a single brown, half-siamese kitten, and that kitten went with me everywhere. Her name is Solo, since she was the only survivor of her litter. So when I moved out, she got in the car with me and we lived together :) Then one day I went to a local pet supply shop to see what they had, and apparently that morning they had someone leave a crate of kittens on their porch (although they don't accept animal dropoffs) and the only orange one was the runt and very sick. I had the time and money, and when he clinged to me I took him with me and Solo became "Momma" to him. He is now a big chunker, very healthy! Best buds. We named him Honey, sometimes Butter. Third cat cried on my porch until I opened the door, and a little gray 6-month-old kitten walked in my house and refused to leave. Such a loving sweetie. We call her Dusk, since that's when she showed up :) Fourth one... I was married at this point and we had a friend staying with us who knew a couple that had 4 big dogs and one tiny newborn kitten. It had gotten to the point of the dogs sitting on the kitten that they were afraid she'd die, so it was either us or they would toss her out to the streets or pound. So we took her in. Poor thing has anxiety issues, a heart murmur, and tummy problems. She looks like a cow, but her kitten meow sounded like a lamb's cry, so her name is Lamby! They all get along wonderfully. Fifth cat... It was Christmas Eve when we noticed a calico (thought she was a tortie at first, but she has a white belly!) outside shivering on our porch in the snow. We got the neighbors to help us catch her and she is the sweetest. She is 5yo FeLV+, and with consulting our vet, he gave us the green light to integrate her into the rest of the house. We have fully vaccinated kitties with yearly (or more) checkups and they're all indoors-only (except Dusk, who goes on walks with a leash). Sixth cat was supposed to be a foster. Our friend's friend picked up a tiny kitten off the road without checking for a mom. Our friend knew this friend tends to kill animals (starvation or neglect) so she took the kitten from her, but then realized she couldn't bring it home. So she brought it to us under the promise she would get new housing soon. She hasn't, but this kitty loves our family of cats and us! She's a very small Tuxedo with bug eyes named Baby (she might get renamed). Last one, number 7... Solo's mom apparently never got fixed (my friend's parents own her and they may or may not neglect their animals) so she has had many litters after Solo. (Even my Bro-in-Law has one of her "brothers" from another litter!) Solo's "sister" had a litter at my friend's house. One of them looked just like Solo, and it looked like they were neglected and being eaten by worms, so I adopted the little kitten before it got eaten by worms. Thankfully she didn't have any holes or worms like the rest and is perfectly healthy! 🎉 We named her Duo... To complete Solo! So now we like to say we have bookends... Solo, 5 other cats, and Solo's niece Duo. lol They all seem to get along and cuddle, and we have a very strict "no more!" policy lol. We are blessed that I don't have to work so I make sure these kitties lives are enriched and loved. I try to take in as much of this kind of info as possible, if I don't already do it! 😊
I recently rewatched a lot of your videos and the nutrition one came on. I watched it again, I ended up switching to a mix of wet and dry food after that. My adult cat who had a lot of stress issues (he has anxiety meds from the vet) calmed down a lot more, so now I ended up switching to only wet food. And geez they pee all the time now, but mostly the agression issues are almost gone now. So thanks a lot Jackson and people really consider switching to wet food, I even calculated and the one I had to choose (cause one is really picky) ended up costing me as much or less than the dry food I used to have. ❤️
That is a great point about cost. People always assume that it will be more expensive, but it ends up actually costing similar to 'quality' dry foods. I do have a couple of problems with wet food, however. First of all, I've tried many different brands, and my cats are simply not very interested. Second, they always come in individual containers, which I am not a huge fan of, whether it's plastic or metal
@@leggz2di4 My cats only eat the one from Aldi (I'm in France so it's Aldi South) but I had to shop around a lot to find something that worked for my cats. Don't give up hope if you are thinking of doing the switch with a picky cat ^^' (all the foods my cat didn't eat I donated to the local shelter)
@@MidoriTheAwesome Yeah, my cats had one they liked that was in individual bags I didn't stick to it cause of the waste... I'm now on one that comes in cans (one can gives me 2 meals for 3 cats). I intend on upcycling most of the cans (after a good wash) I want to make little insect hotels that I can scatter around where I live, bird feeders that will make great presents, candle lights etc. But I'm aware that some of them will have to end up in the recycling bin. But did you know that Aluminium (which a lot if not most of the cans are made of) is one of the materials that can be recycled to almost 100% so it's one of the less wasteful materials. (I hope that info helps your conscience) (I hope this comment doesn't come off as me being unpleasant, conveying tone in written languages that aren't my first languages is rather difficult sorry ^^' )
@@Piti_Pingu the English was perfect! And yeah I definitely want to lean towards cans if I can find one that my cats like, I'm about to go shopping and buy as many different wet foods as I can to try and fund something my cat will eat. Glad to see I'm not the only one concerned about waste with individual meals:)
Long time viewer here. Thank you Jackson for the endless amount of educational tips for helping me raise my little ones to the best of my ability. Im still trying to work in a budget on swapping my two little ones diet away from grains. But I made the decision to get pet insurance. Practicing your advice has not only improved the relationship with my Kami and Joi, but has also grown a new mindset to how I view them as well. To me they are my kids. I will never stop attempting to make them both as comfortable and happy as possible.
When we changed our cats to wet food with a little dry mixed in, we're having to slowly get my oldest cat to move to wet, he's not a fan of change, we started feeding them 3 times a day. I work from home so it's super easy, they eat when we eat. They also get night- night treats when the dog comes in at night since we used a tear to get her to go in her crate. Now she knows crate means treat and she will go to her crate and wait fur her treat and they know when she's kicked up for the night they get their treats. Our youngest cat has horrible anxiety like I do and routines help me and it seems to help him as well. Oh yes, we trim those nails, just the tips. I have to purrito the 2 year old. My youngest is the easiest to do anything with. I never lie to him, I let him know what needs to be done and he's pretty tolerant. He's got allergies and sometimes needs pills. He didn't like it, but he seems to understand it's over faster if he cooperates. I do have to purrito him to get him into the carrier. I think I will try leaving one of the carriers on to of the dogs crate, that's a really good idea. I know they like to get in her crate because they like the smells she brings in. I agree, more is better. No matter how much they fight and complain about each other, they do enjoy grooming each other. My youngest isn't much in cuddling, but I must give him his and kisses, he decided he'll tolerate that since I hurry, I hurry because I knowit's hard for him to allow it, then he runs to another cat to wash the mama cooties off. He and I have compromises and since we both have horrible anxiety, we have a bond. My husband makes him nervous, he avoids him most of the time and he's been of work the last 2 weeks and Angus hasn't had much mommy time. When we do find a little time is so sweet, he really does like his hugs and kisses and scratches. It's almost like he's been pretending he really didn't want my to do it because he'll keep coming back, but pretending he's trying to get away. If he ready wanted to get away, he'd be faster. So it's our game. He's got a very sturdier place in my heart because I have to wish harder with him and he's made obvious efforts himself. He's never purred. I know not all cats do, but that just kills me. UPDATE: Angus just got in my for pets and scratches and that baby was purring. It wasn't very loud, but I could hear it and feel it. It's been way over a year since I brought him home and today was the day. All that patience and compromise paid off. I'm so excited I had to tell everyone.
I rescued my 7 month old kitten from becoming a road kill as a feral kitten running back and forth inbetween busy traffic in front of my house, screaming for his mum when he was 6 to 8 weeks old. After hours of trying I finally managed to lure him inside my house at 4 am by playing the sound of a mother cat calling her kittens. He was totally feral and had to keep him in a crate for a couple days till he started trusting me and I could handle him. Unfortunately for him I'm his only playmate and it's never enough. 😤 have a back yard of about 100 m² closed of with netting. But recently he rediscovered the big outside world with big fields and mountains at the back of my house and he's determined to investigate and managed to escape twice. I caught him in time and he's sóóó frustrated when I pick him up to bring him back in that he starts growing and biting me. No drama, because he stops when I tell him to stop and apart from that, he's a sweet affectionate little fella. But my heart breaks because he's so frustrated and although it's for his safety, I feel like I'm keeping him in prison. Am not able physically to go on walks with him on a regular basis, like I did with previous cats were I would join them on hunting trips at night in a car free area. I can't wait for him to get older and calm down and hopefully in the mean time I find a place to live that hasn't got a busy road at the front.
Ok, just found this channel. Major cat lover, all my life, and love that you LOVE cats too. Grateful for your great ideas, many discovered over the years here too! Thank you!
I have another little tip, though it's kind of a downer. When you do take your cat into the vet, have the doctor teach you how to perform emergency CPR on them. It's different from humans, and doing it wrong could end in disaster. I had a girl tragically pass before my eyes a few years ago, and I had no way to save her. Now I at least know how to keep them going with chest compressions on the way to the ER, heaven forbid. If nothing else, it gives me peace of mind.
Thanks for the great advice! . My most recent adopted cat likes the “unders”. Thanks for making me feel better about my choice to block those areas off. I am incorporating her in with my other three and it’s going slowly. If I block the “unders” I think it helps her move forward in her mind rather than staying still. ❤️🐈
Hi Jackson! Happy New Year. I have had cats all my life, and know a thing or two. I was surprised to hear your comments about dry food, and will look into feeding my cats more quality wet food. My main indoor cat, Artie, is almost 9 and has never peed or pooped outside the litteer box. But a few days ago he sprayed on some bags of wild bird seed in the living room. It had snowed heavily here a week ago and when he looks outside everything is blinding white. I think this is what upset him, perhaps made him feel threattened. Artie is neutered and indoor only.
One thing I'll say about dry food: my boy Cashew has chylothorax and a sensitive tummy. His condition requires specific food and he only likes the dry kind. I'm just glad he's eating and in between the food and the Rutin he gets every day he's still alive and happy 4.5 years into his diagnosis. Considering that the first vet we saw wanted to put him down that's really impressive.
When we got our cats, my mom said that we had to get 2 instead of 1 for that reason. We got a brother and sister from the same litter when they were 3 months old and it’s great having them both
I heard that cats like a routine, it didn’t take long. He miaows less and is much happier. Thank you for all of your wonderful work and helping me and my fur baby❤️🇨🇦
Thanks Jackson. Super informative. Especially the dry food advice. Seriously love your videos and adore cats have rescued many over the years and surround myself with cat lovers! Happy new year x
Using a carrier as a safe place really makes going to the vet so much easier. I give my kitty her treats in her carrier. She loves her carrier. Happy New Year to all !!
Same to you Debra ❤️
@@flightnavigator8999 y]
My younger cat sleeps in his carrier because we used it as his safe place at night when he was rescued. He got into the routine that he'd be zipped in at night and lined it with comfy blankets for him.
I own the one cat who hates any kind of enclosed spaces :(. She even hates boxes. I’ve tried to make the carrier a special place for her, but she’ll just ignore it!
I tried this, but it didn't work with my cat! I bought him some herbal calmers and that helped
The best thing I did with my last cat was leave his carrier out and put his favorite bed and blankets in it. I didn’t even do anything else to it, but I did put it by my desk so he could sleep in it or on it while I did my college work. And when a fire broke out in the church next door, it saved his life. I had run home from campus and came in to him absolutely terrified from the smoke and sounds of the firefighters, but as soon as I scooted him towards his carrier he ran right in and I got him out of the house in minutes.
So true. Our cat carriers double as cat condos when not being used for transport.
That's genius really.
I was so nervous, but I finally adopted a cat.
Jackson, I've watched your cable program for years and I finally adopted a new, well, 8 year old 5 pound cat. The poor thing was starving when I got him. He's orange, I call him Bob. The transition to being a first time cat daddy was so unbelievably easy. (you had a everything to do with that)
We had some accidents, but when I asked Bob what I could do better, I listened. I let him explore everything and smell everything. He never runs off because he'd rather explore with me! At least I think so. He literally waits for me to catch up. This is an amazing cat. I've found my little nugget, I love him so much. I have a lot to learn but getting a head start on understanding a cat really made the difference. Thank You. Bob and Brian
Well done! There's nothing like a warm fluffy friend. Happy New Year to you and Bob!
Don't be too nervous. Just go with the flow .. laugh a lot. And you will do fine. I have six. I had no pets growing up because my mother did not like pets or children. Don't think about that. But my husband got us two cats and I have had babies since 1970. They are delightful. All they need is to train you. Ha ha. Peace and blessings. Gail in Central Florida Sunday, January 2, 2022.
@@gailremp8389 I didn't have pets because I was deathly allergic to the fur, dander and saliva. If I shook the hand of someone that had any kind of animal, I'd be in the ER.
Even though, My EX Had to have a cat, so we got a kitten.
She was so attached to him and she wouldn't let me take care of him, partly out of fear we'd need to find him a new home. We kept him out of the bedroom so I had somewhat of a sanctuary.
I was far less allergic to baby animals than adult animals. It took 5 years to get off the allergy meds and now I can tolerate a cat Ok.
It's worth the discomfort, I have no regrets, this little nugget has earned my full trust already. I can't believe how lucky I got finding him. Thank you for the comment.
@@piratetaurussackinhaff9402 very sweet. Thank YOU for sharing. Now time to crawl under covers and push bozos over to make space.
I love this. I used to hate cats..then my daughter brought home a kitten. That turned into having 3😂
I find their tails to be the most interesting things about them. Even when they appear to be ignoring you (which is 80% of the time) their tail still twitches if you call their name. Cats tails are very expressive of how they feel, too.
I too find their tails very cute and expressive. I can even help train her irritability by picking up her cues from her tail😊
My cat pets me with her tail!! 😂 It's one of many ways to communicate with me.
I agree - you can tell a lot about them by their tails. But one of ours is the most tail expressive I've ever known. He wags his tail when he's happy and excited. When he's upset or cross, he holds it off to the side.
@@MusicFromTheOm
Cute 😻
Oh yes, and I'm amazed at watching the pupils dilate when they are interested in a toy or something 😆 They truly are majestic and intriguing animals.
As someone who just had to evacuate their apartment at 4 a.m. because of a fire alarm last night, I can confirm that getting them used to their carriers and blocking the unders/overs is SO important in an emergency. I do this with my cat and it took maybe thirty seconds to get her zipped in and ready to go outside.
But I was also watching my roommate's cat while they were out of town, and they don't leave out the carrier or block the unders in their room. Their cat was all the way in the back corner under their bed, which I can't move by myself, so I wasn't able to get to her. I really tried, but I ultimately had to leave her behind and felt so guilty and scared. It ended up being a false alarm, but if our apartment had actually been on fire, that would have been it. We would have been devastated.
Please don't just assume it won't happen to you, because it can, and a little prevention can make all the difference for our furry family members.
Take care everyone
OMG! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing that story. What a nightmare for you! Glad everything was okay, really!
@@2puffs770 LP
This was so good and so informational. And what you're saying is so true. Sometimes a false alarm is a perfect alarm to learn. You did the right things blessings to you. And thank you for even reaffirming some thing that seems so logical when you think about it. I have six cats. Good god what a mess it would be. I would have to open the back door from the porch to have them just flea outside. So not good
That is one of my worst nightmares. Not being able to get my pets out in time of a fire. There was a fire in an apartment right across from us one time and my boyfriend and I freaked out so our cat did too. He was running and jumping on the walls frantically with his fur all poofed up because he was so scared and I felt so bad for causing him trauma. Heck I ended up spraining my ankle running after him trying to get him in the cage. All because my stupid neighbors decided to leave their apartment for like 20 minutes while they were cooking meat on the stovetop. 😒 Ended up with a scared cat, sprained ankle, and smoke damage to our entire apartment. But luckily the fire damage didn't reach across to our apartment. This is why I don't want too many animals. It's hard enough getting one into a cage. 😥😟
Alex at 4am I've continually got drug people trying to break in! So glad I got him use to his carrier as a safe space before this problem reaccelerated!
I recently adopted a kitten and she was a handful, I wasn't getting any sleep, endless ball of energy. At one point I wasn't sure I could handle it, but I adopted a second one and OMG what a life changer, they play together all day long, sleeping next to each other. Overall my cat looks a lot more happy and I'm getting more sleep
Having to evacuate from the fires in Colorado was so fast and so little time, having my cat easily walk into her carrier was life saving! I always have her carrier next to my bed and in a sunny area to make it a comfy place she enjoys being in.
So glad you had the training to save your cat! Really hope things are going better for you now.
So glad that you got out safe. Marshall fire was devastating
The last one pushed me over the edge and I adopted a beautiful little kitten to live with my boy. They bonded from day 1 and within a week were sleeping next to each other. He grooms her, they chase each other, they share each others' food, no problems at all. It's like he was waiting his whole life for a companion. So glad I got floof number 2 and our family is complete.
Tear jerker 🥲
I got a cat backpack as an alternate carrier specifically for emergencies. I live on the 23rd floor, and have a 17lb maine coon, and trying to carry him in his regular carrier down 23 flights of stairs is murder. Even the largest cat backpack is a bit of a tight fit for him, but worth it for short trips/emergencies. I take him out to the lobby in his backpack and give him his Favoritest Treat to make sure he's familiar with it and used to it. When he's ready to go back home, he hops back in it!
What cat backpack did you get ? Size and brand please. I have a Maine Coon too, 18.5 lbs. looking to find a way to travel with him much easier than his regular carrier.
I have a carrier that goes over my shoulder because I live at the bottom of a hill in a tsunami hazard zone, but when there was a false alarm it was still so hard to carry. I now have a large male cat who I don't think would even fit in that, so I'm absolutely going to look into a large backpack. Way better idea!
We got one of those grooming bags for our cat Bonkers, which is basically a duffel bag with zippers for each leg and a velcro collar hole that their head sticks out of.
Originally, it was just a comfy restraint for giving her subQ fluids, but it's also turned out to be a great carrier since she can look around more freely/recieve head pats during transport and be in a lap. It also looks hilarious seeing someone carry a duffel bag with a cat head sticking out of the front
@@Kolach0 think the co. is travel cat. I have a nice packback & they have nice large sizes. Also Their chest harnesses are very nice& attach to the BPack for safety so they can have the top open. & packs aren't flimsy.
Now we have carrier with wheels so it makes it much easier and less exhausting to carry a big boy
Best thing I ever did was get two cats after years of only having one cat....two cats are so much happier, less anxious and less bored than one cat on its own. It makes being the owner easier not harder.
My senior gal has lots of medical issues and finding her special food gets harder and harder. If I find cans of food I hope she will eat, I grab them up because everything is in short supply. It can be so frustrating, Cancer, kidney failure, UTIs, I'm happy when she eats anything. She is an adorable little cat that I rescued from a shelter, dirty, stinky and very sad looking. It's been seven months now and she looks like a new cat, I figure no matter how long she has it will be a better life then on he street.
Thank you for giving that baby a good rest of her days, I teared up reading this
you're doing amazing work for her, I'm sure she appreciates every moment of it 💕
Overview:
1. The Three R's 1:00
2. No Sudden Changes 2:50
3. The Litter Box Code 4:55
4. Water! 6:23
5. Proper Nutrition 7:03
6. Be Proactive 7:57
7. Pet Insurance 10:41
8. Carrier is a Basecamp 11:31
9. Block the Unders 12:45
10. Adopt More Cats! 14:14
Thank you. This should be the top comment.
Thank youuu
These kind of comments are my favorite!
Thank you!! So helpful!!
Thanks!
I wish I would’ve known this before my cat passed away. 🥹
I have two very happy kitties. Samantha and Tabitha are now 12 years old. I adopted them from the shelter at the same time as kittens. I’ve been a fan of yours since your first show, and all your advice has been invaluable. 🥰
I love those Bewitching names 🥰
@@nicole-ls4jb exactly 💯💜
If you get a third, would you name her Sabrina (black), or Endora (red)?
My grandmother had two cats with those same names! She loved Bewitched :)
OMG Those were my Grandmother's cats' names!
When I adopted my cat Comet we knew she had potential to be very cuddly but she was also very shy and hid under the bed anytime we came to visit her in her "base". We could pet her if we took her from under the bed, and she was ok (purring, kneading, headbutting) but she'd run back under at the first weird noise. I bought a bed frame with underside drawers, so she couldn't hide, and I can't even begin to tell you how much that has helped her !! She's still a shy kitty, but it helped decensitise her so much !!
I once had a little cat who was scared of everything. Once on a yearly checkup, the vet had to anesthetize her in order to do the usual things. Then a new vet joined the practice. She placed a hand on Mimi, and Mimi instantly relaxed. That got me to be aware of my tone of voice and muscle tension, so I could communicate good vibes. I usually keep up a patter about how everything is good, both to reassure the cat and to remind me to relax my muscles. I don't mean to imply any magical action, or that she touched a chi spot, or anything like that -- it's simply that the vet was calm and assured, and Mimi picked up on that and became calm in turn.
aw beautiful! I would love you to describe how she expressed the good vibes!!
Where did the vet touch your cat to calm her?
@@angelasjambox I edited my remark to include an answer for you. I hope it helps.
@@n.normal1565 When taking my cats to the vet, I would get tense because I was sorry that they would be frightened and unhappy. The vet just touched Miimi in the usual way that a vet will handle a cat, but that, together with her calm tone of voice, communicated that calmness to Mimi. So I tried to train myself to be calm instead of anxious, to help my cats deal with the vet visit better. But, in general, Mimi continued to be a nervous wreck, fleeing in panic at the sound of the telephone or the doorbell, for example, until the end of her life, or at least throughout the first 17 years of it, at which point my older cat died and Mimi found herself the sole object of my affection, which is what she coudn't do without, apparently.
Our vet has the same power. It's wonderful to watch.
About 2 months ago we lost our older cat due to kidney failure. We were devastated. We noticed our other cat looking for her and we could tell he was starting to get lonely. We took your advice, and rescued the sweetest boy cat, he is such a lover, so calm and playful. We brought him home and we immediately introduced them (we obviously didn't watch that video, and know that we messed up royaly) it wasnt pretty...A fight broke out between them a few days after (we were switching from one room to another) and since then we've kept them separated and slowly started inching their food closer together on opposite sides of the door. We also try to play with them on opposite sides of our sliding door. Our new rescue is so relaxed and just "whatever" about our resident cat, he wants to play with him. Our resident cat is still very unsure of our rescue....our resident is however getting better at not reaching under a door that our rescue cat is in trying to grab hold of him. We would appreciate some advise on how to help our resident cat know that our rescue isn't a threat to him.
Thank you!
It takes time! Sometimes months. Keep doing what you are doing!
Yesterday after 4 years my rescue finally curled up on my lap, he has never done this before and I cried. He is happy and cuddly and loving in every other way, so you can see why I cried, I rescued him but really he rescued me.
A quick note on pet insurance: In a lot of countries, including the UK, you can't get pet insurance for FIV+ cats or cats with FLUTD - which makes it REALLY hard to insure rescue cats. Jackson's advice is great; put money away every month - not into general/household savings, but into a savings pot that is specifically for your cat!
I'm speaking from experience here, as my FIV+ cat is sleeping on my lap while we get through a FLUTD flare-up, and I'm looking at my bank statement feeling super thankful for my cat savings!
Usually putting the insurance money into a savings account (for pet care) is going to mean you end up spending less overall than you would paying for insurance.
@@nataliebutler Definitely in the beginning. As they age, they need more medical care, just like we do as we age. It's also nice to have as a buffer for those instances when kitty manages to out-maneuver your cat-proofing and ends up in the hospital needing stitches, or cat gods forbid, surgery.
I have a cat who was solo his whole life, got him a friend on his 6th birthday and they are inseparable. He's never liked cats before so I never thought to get him a friend but he's so much more confident now
Hello Ann how’s the weather over there
Getting my first kitten next week and these videos are a god send! I've never had a cat before so learning as much as I can! Thank you Jackson!!
2, even?
I’m happy for you! I wish I had met Jackson before I became a cat owner. Enjoy your new blessings ♥️✌🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
@@bikecaptain8015 Just 1 only 1 left but he's settled in well
@@joycelawson2249 Thank you! Definitely a learning curve haha
@Zyn Abila Yes ☺
Mom always insisted that her cats knew not to get her up until 10 or 11 a.m. Or until she wa good and ready to get up. So. One. Morning. About 7:30 they started meowing at her and jumping on and off her bed and smacking at her. Then she heard the noise in the attached garage that had them upset. And heard her car being started. She had told her son to take the car to her mechanic for some work that morning and he had agreed that it would be easier for him to do it than for her to have to get up. She forgot to tell her cats. They did not like that interruption to the normal routine. Once she realized what had gotten them going and told them it was OK they settled down!
Due to my cat following my disabled night owl life, if you force him out of "bed/bedroom" before 2pm at the earliest, He will be proper grumpy. If I have to leave earlier, I ask my housemate to let him out after a specific time, rather than letting him out when I leave. Otherwise he's grumpy that his routine is messed up and will be extra sleepy amongst other things. Like rather than be his energetic self, he becomes a couch potato. We thought he may be ill at first, but it happens each time he is forced to get up "early". He truly is a cat who thrives on routine and having his personal space. He gets grumpy if he doesn't have his "safe personal space" time each day, which is my bedroom. And he needs lots of hours of this. He also takes himself there if he's pissy and truly thinks it is "his" room rather than mine. If I leave on a trip, he will go into the room for several hours a day just to be like "Yes. Just because she isn't here, this is still my room." Where as normally, other than bedtime, he'll only take himself to the room when he's stressed.
So I too, have a cat that doesn't wake and become active before a certain time. So I believe your mom!
Like when I have a migraine, He will wait until about 7pm when he decides to get up. That's when he's like "I'd like to leave now please mom." And taps his paw on my door for me to let him out.
He's my perfect cat in that way. I can sleep 10 hours and he's chill.
Got her own... Meow Security 😼
The food at specific times to create a rhythm so that your cats don't wake you up all night, is completely accurate. We had a pretty solid rhythm going as far as food schedules go, with feeding our cats right before we sleep, and right after waking up. It went really, really well, until recently when my husband got a new job, so, instead of waking up at 4am, we are now getting up around 6am. Things have been decently "interesting" since the job change. Hoping we all catch up to the new schedule soon.
My cats ALWAYS have a bowl of hard food to eat. Who am I to say they should eat at a certain time. They can control their own appetite if they can eat when hungry.
@@evelyngriffith5735did you watch the video?
Just wanted to say that because of you, we got a tall cat tree to replace the one that had been thrown out AND asked for cat beds for Christmas. They LOVE their scent-soaker beds!!!
Hello Monica how’s the weather over there
When I got my cat a second litter box like most people I didn't want to look at it. Unfortunately my apartment is small so the only place I could put was where I could see it while watching tv. So I used the cardboard back of a busted book case to make a privacy screen. I just put it a couple inches in front of the box. my cat was fine with it and I couldn't see her box. Win win 😂
I just adopted a year and seven month old young lady .from an animal shelter.she is sweet. We named her Dixie
AMANDA: What are her colors or breed?
TOM: what kinda doggo
Was your Dixie~Sorry
She's/He's(?) Gone🥺😫
Its a female cat she is black and white
@@beckyd6080 black and white female cat
Now I feel really blessed! I knew nothing about cats when I got my two kittens 14 years ago. They have gone through liters changes constantly! Whatever I buy whatever is cheapest no matter whether whether it has smell or not and they've always used their litter boxes!💜💜
My cat never cared either...but maybe because I buy similar types (clumping clay litter). She never gave me a problem with the box.
I got my second cat this week after a lot of thought and preparation. I still have been stressed with such a big change. These videos help so much and the last tip at the end made me feel good about my decision. Tonight they were playing. Its funny how they naturally interact in a way that no human can substitute. Resident cat enjoys watching new kitten play and is comfortable walking by or having him near her now. She couldnt resist the playfulness tonight and joined in, its all i could have asked for. I'm just so grateful for dedicated animal people like Jackson who support animal lovers and put out great info ❤ Happy new year cat people!
Emma, Its true, what you said, the kitty cats interacting a way that no
...... Emma,... continued..." the kitty cats interact in a way that no human can substitute". Human love and care is important and the loving relationship that we as humans have with them is so beneficial to both of us. At the same time, having one or more of their same kind," feline", is very good, they can relate to each other in their own special feline way, and that's beautiful too!! 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐈🐈🐈🐈💞💞🙏🙏🙏✝️🕊️ MAY OUR GOD DEARLY BLESS YOU AND ALL YOUR KITTY CATS, IN JESUS HOLY NAME, I PRAY, AMEN ❤️🙏
I see it like... you know when humans are always alone and never really leave the house? it's bad for you, too, and while a cat helps, they aren't human company. same way the other way around. My older cat spent 4 years alone with me so he's taking longer to adjust, but they've had a lot of adorable nose to nose sniffing moments and obsessing over each other's tails that I can't give them lol. even if we never get past this stage I'm so glad I did it. I would probably feel guilty in the future tbh
The shelter I adopted from only allows one cat to be adopted at a time unless they're a bonded pair. Currently in the 30 day wait until I'm allowed a second adoption for my little Princess Yue, and 2 days in I absolutely agree she NEEDS a friend... I forgot how much energy kittens have!
I've passed your advice on to so many friends, and you're the reason for dozens of happy cats and cat owners alike :)
My cat was a single cat for over 8 years, I was scared of how he'd treat a new kitten so kept putting it off. I finally got him a kitten this year and he LOVES her. They are best friends and inseparable. I think that's the best thing I've ever done for him.
My husband and I went to the shelter expecting to adopt just one kitten. We wanted a mini panther. When we found our panther Bruce playing with his tuxedo sister Liberty .... we fell in love and knew we couldn't separate them.
We are so glad we brought both home. They are so sweet, so funny and smart, and typical kitten shenanigans has been tame because they have each other for company when we're working.
You made me realize my newly adopted street rescue 2 year old is totally chill. He did awesome with feeding changes, housing differences, and litter changes (went from clumping to pellets 2 months in) without problem. We weren’t even expecting to get a cat so had to use what we could get as essentials easily and get better stuff as we went.
so happy to read this. getting a 4 year old transplant. hoping ,for my budget, to switch to pine pellets. gradually of course. some of the costly suggestions on cat videos are off-putting. poor folks have had cats for centuries, but today's world seems to stratify cat ownership by financial means.
My husband and I are getting older... At 70, I'm disabled, and he also has some health issues. Over the last few years, we've lost all of our clowder save one. Archer, who is 15, is happy by himself. He never tolerated the others well, not even his littermate who we adopted at the same time as he was when they were 10 weeks old. He's a bit of a prima donna and he is well suited to a slower, more subdued lifestyle where nothing much happens or changes over the years.
All of our cats, except Archer's brother, who died of cancer at 13 (the last cat we lost) lived into their 20s. We made the decision not to adopt any more cats because we don't want them to be left alone and homeless when we die. But if we lose Archer before we die, we will be devastated. We can't even remember a time when we didn't have at least one cat in the house, we've had as many as 6 at once before.
We've thought of fostering an older or handicapped cat, who would go back safely to the rescue agency when we die, but we're worried about being physically able to take care of a cat with special needs. We've never fostered a cat before and we don't know what that would entail. Sorry, this was rambling, but do you have any thoughts about older cat parents and their cats' needs? What arrangements for their cats should older folks take?
Do it. Use your gifts of understanding the babies. Really. I'm 72. Understand. It will give you joy. That's simply the bottom line. And it will give a baby a chance that might end up with some idiot that doesn't have a clue...
What a kind and thoughtful person you are! Your kitties have all been blessed to share your life. Be well; live long and happy; follow your heart when it comes to a foster kitty: Any kitty would be blessed by the experience, no matter what happens next.
@@clairemarie-peterson2411 yep. Well,said. Sometimes we don't appreciate what gifts we have to offer. And we have to have other people encourage us. Lord knows there's enough people in this world that want to discourage us. And kitty cats and puppy dogs and people need love. And if that's what you can do in the right way and make them happy and it makes you happy I don't see a problem with that at all. Peace and blessings to you in our new year. Oh Lordy, let it be better.
Lori Crews, you can quite easily and inexpensively put together a will regarding your adopted felines. I also am physically challenged, I have to tell you, I broke my back at age 46, and I'm more-or-less somewhat ambulatory but having my cat's definitely gives me a reason to get up and do things! The most challenging cat was the last one that ended up blind in both eyes, one eye at a time, and I had to wrap up my furniture with padding and tape up electrical cords but other than that she needed me and I was there for her. My cats have always been there for me, I live alone and after my surgeries they were so understanding. I understand your thought of crossing the Rainbow Bridge before they do but you can take care of that like I said with a a will in advance. I saw some sample ones right here on RUclips so check that out and keep on being a wonderful giving person!
perhaps one way to look at in your case, is that adopting or fostering an older cat keeps that older cat (who is MUCH less likely to get adopted or fostered) from being put down to make room in the shelters for the kittens (that are much easier to adopt out)... for what it's worth, I think you guys should foster and I'm sure the kitty (or kitties) would love spending their senior years with you guys
I adopted my first cat in October, and after listening to your advice and my own heart, I decided to add a second one this week. They're slowly getting used to each other, and I hope they'll have many years together as best friends and sisters!
I rescued my latest black and white girl at just under a year old from a feral colony and I can't wait to hear your tips x
How is this comment 1 day ago if the video is 5 hours old?!
@@cmansell7445 Some Lives open up a day before so maybe this person commented yesterday.
@@cmansell7445 you've got me there, I don't understand it either lol
No lie. I realized why my baby girl was intentionally peeing outside the NEWLY RELOCATED litter box. I moved it back, provided my apology to Nyla, and within 30 minutes she went in her litter box AND made sure both my son and I saw her doing her business! JACKSON YOU ARE THE CAT DADDY!! Thank you.
I've had my Main Coon going on 3 years and I noticed him getting a bored look and I noticed his happiness fading because I am gone 10+ hours a day for work. Even though I am off 3 days a week and try to play with him and give him my undivided attention and gave attention and playtime when I get home but it wasn't enough. I was going to adopt a kitten from a rescue foster parent but while waiting for the kittens to come of age, get fixed and vaccinated, I learned about the mama cat who is about 9 years old and had a rough life of mistreatment and the foster asked me if I knew anyone looking for an older cat. I thought about it a while and decided to adopt the mama instead. She is a beautiful cat and such a good girl. My Maine Coon and her are perfect together, they play, run, chase each other, etc. My Maine Coon came to life again and his energy, playfulness and enthusiasm has returned and the mama cat is a little spitfire and together they're just adorable and both are very happy. I definitely recommend getting a 2nd cat. I have always left the carrier out and one or the other use it as a hideaway and to take a nap but at night, they both sleep with me in the bed and they take turns laying on the heating pad.
Hello Michael how’s the weather over there
@@stevenhenry4227 high teens to negative temperatures but not much snow this year.
@@michaelsaintz Oh that’s okay where are you from?
@@stevenhenry4227 Alamosa, CO
@@michaelsaintz Oh that’s a nice place nice meeting you so how long have you been on RUclips
Cat doesn't speak, but Jackson speaks! Best Advocate with a truth heart loving and caring and knowledge for cats!
Thanks for the video, Jackson! You've sparked love for cats and rescue work in me when I started watching your videos from your "My Cat From Hell" days, and now I work at a high volume spay/neuter clinic for cats and dogs. My two cats are also very grateful for all the tips and tricks you've given me over the years - the vet is always amazed by how healthy and well-behaved they are!
Anyway, have a wonderful new year and looking forward to more educational content from you :)
OMG what an amazing comment to see on this first day of the year. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that I could be a part of your rescue journey. If you (or any of your vets) are interested, I would urge you to check out an organization called ViDAS. I’ve worked with them and they are amazing. Vets and techs volunteer to go to places that desperately need people like you to do high volume clinics. We just finished the maiden voyage of a program called GoodFix with Greater Good Charities and fixed almost 2K cats on the island of Kauai. It was such a great feeling to know we’ve helped change the outcome of an overpopulated area. Check it out and again, thank you for your dedication!
Can I ask what you feed them? Thank you, so glad to hear when someone turns into a cat lover!!! Cats deserve so much love!
@@DarkAddictionx For sure! They are on a combo of pre-made raw and kibble (fed in separate meals). The kibble is definitely not ideal, but it helps to offset the cost of the premade raw. I used to do homemade raw (much cheaper!) but I no longer have access to a good butcher and my cats both got a really upset stomach from grocery store meat (twice! Not gonna try for a third).
Hopefully I can switch them raw for good, but I'm giving them the best I can afford, and the vet has not noticed any abnormalities so far so fingers crossed!
My one cat is 14-16ish. We adopted another (selfishly for me cause he doesn’t like too many cuddles) younger cat who is now 3. It took over 6 months to get them to tolerate each other with no litterbox avoidance and fights. Sometimes there is still stuff that ignites fear in one and bullying in the other but mostly they are ok. Giving the new one up was just never an option. Without the young one I don’t think I would have ever been able to switch my old kitty onto raw and sometimes whole prey without my younger one being a role model (she eats anything). It can be done with perseverance and hard work!
Rescued mine from a 2 cat household; they seemed indifferent to each other; no separation anxiety (worst part was the hour drive down from Baltimore). He's living his best life now.
Your programmes have changed my life and all of the cats. Charlie is now letting me brush her, she still messes in one room but when she doesn't I reward her with treats. Thank you.🥰🥰
We have a backpack carrier in our living room that our cat uses as one of her (many) beds and we also go on frequent rides, so that the car doesn't only mean the vet. She loves it so much that on the one occasion she got out of the house, we just took her carrier outside and called her. As soon as she saw that we had it, she came running and jumped right in, ready to go for a ride, which we did. I can't even imagine how hard it would've been to get her back otherwise.
My kitty loves her carrier and her crate. I’m fortunate to live in an area that’s close to a lot of parks and I like to take her on outings in summer. She goes in the carrier for a short car ride or on a walk and I will tie her leash to something so she can explore without being too far out of reach. She just sits in the picnic blanket or in her crate and takes in the sights and smells and eventually naps. She will never like car rides but she doesn’t mind the outings and I’m so grateful that she loves her carrier and crate so much! It helps that I also have the worlds most chill cat. She doesn’t get skittish about anything. Seriously. It’s a little weird but I’m grateful! Haha
My Bombay female eats twice a day, a healthy dry food because she has never liked any wet food even the expensive ones. G-Purrs lived 18+ yrs on dry food. The feeder bowl controls how quickly Onyx eats, use fountain water system. I use Pellet bedding from tractor supply for litter box, urine turns pellets to saw dust that filters into bottom tray, scoop stool into closed diaper pail system. Same in motorhome when we travel to Idaho for the summer. Hugs from my black short Bombay cat Onyx and me too.
Your tips make sure my cat stays purring you’re the best Jackson Galaxy!!!!
I started the 3R’s without even knowing it when I adopted Nina. Is just like a child.
We do the same routine everyday starting with emptying the litter box from overnight. Collecting the 4 water bowls, washing and refilling and then Nina’s breakfast. After that, I get to go to the bathroom 😂. Cats first, then me.
Play, love and kitty gives herself a licking bath as I get my breakfast ❤
Ever since I had to move with my cat the the second time, when we could finally let him out of the carrier and into our new home, I left the carrier in place so he could return to it if he wanted. We attached his water bottle and food bowl to the door with zip-ties, and tied the door to a table leg so it would stay open. This was so much better for him than just putting the carrier away immediately like the first time we moved. He had a home base instantly, and despite him having been to the vet in the carrier, and having to move on very long drives in the carrier, he willingly hangs out in it!
As an autistic person I can say that cats have been and will always be the perfect partner for me. We appreciate routine and hate sudden changes alike and no one is getting bored by the same pattern as long as you change toys and what not every once in a while. Cats and me, great time 😊
I'm hearing you 😻
Thank you for the reminder on blocking the "unders" and keeping manageable hiding areas, for the vote of encouragement on giving meds, and on adding more members to the family! These are great thoughts for our new kitten, who after introducing her properly to her older brother have quickly surprised us become best friends!
I am so grateful for your wisdom/experience/cat love. My last cat died a few years ago. Previously I had learned/read little before getting cats-all were strays. But this time I want to be MUCH better informed so that the cats (2) will be much happier/enriched/etc. Thank you.
Jackson, thank you for your advice! I just brought a ferral stray into my house. After ensuring she was fully vaccinated and parasite-free, I began introducing her to my current cat, an 8m kitten who is clicker trained. I'm having a really hard time with the current trained kitty picking up bad habits from the new cat - like hissing, jumping on the table, etc. She *never* used to do any of those things least of all to me! I'd love a video going over more tips on integrating a new cat to a home beyond just the initial intro. Thanks!
First time I’ve watched your videos, I love that you say no dry food! You’ve got a new subscriber. Just got a 12wk old rescue kitten, our last two lived until nearly 22. Hoping this little one has a long and happy life. Your channel will be a great help in this.
I have ten stray cats outside and I feed them every day and now they let me pet them and when they let me pick them up I will take them to the vet.
Thank you for the encouragement. I have a senior and now a kitten. Challenging to help them get along, but agree that my senior seems secretly happier.
Hello Lori how’s the weather over there
I would love to give my cat a playmate but out apartment has a one pet rule, So I make extra time to play with her. Also no room for and extra litter box small place, so it gets cleaned more often. These are 2 things you have not addressed unless i missed it. She is a health happy girl. I watch you videos, they are always packed with good information with a side of humor. love it.
Hi Jackson, Another year has passed and we are now looking forward to 'Winter Festival of your Choice' 2022! I wanted to thank you for making our two cats happier by spending your time to explain 'how cats work'. I've had cats around me for almost sixty years now after growing up in a home where I was not allowed to have pets. I've shared my life since I 'moved out' of my father's home at age 16 with every bird, fish and animal that I could safely manage to collect around me: dogs, horses, ponies, birds and, of course, cats!
I just wanted to 'second your statement' that every cat should have a cat 'pal'. One cat sits on a chair 'dreaming' - but they could be playing wildly on the carpet if they had a cat friend. People who tell me that a cat is 'dull' and makes a poor pet compared to a dog are usually people who have inherited one cat who wandered in from the street and stayed. One dog will adore you. One cat will sit and dream of having 'cat company'!
At the moment we have a brother/sister pair of your standard 'black and white cats' that joined our family from a wonderful shelter in Greater Vancouver, BC, Canada, called 'Katie's Place'. 'Katie's' started years ago when a group of cat lovers found a broken-down old house that they could use to house homeless kitties until they could get them spayed and neutered, innoculated and petted, and ready for a new family of their own! 'Katie' was the cat who wandered around the outside of the house but never seemed to want to come in. Now 'Katies Place' has morphed into a wonderful 'purpose built' shelter for cats who need homes. They have a wonderful staff of volunteers who love both the cats that find new homes and the cats that just stay happily at 'Katie's Place' for the rest of their 'nine lives'.
Just a reminder for the season: 'Second-hand cats' are wonderful! There is always a cat that will suit you if you can provide a safe home, good vet care, excellent dinners - and love! You don't need to pay a fortune for a cat that will transform your place from a 'house' to a 'home'!
My recommendation is to practice the football carry especially if you have multiples. If in an extreme situation, (even something like a neighborhood dog gets into your house.) you can grab them one under each arm and know you have a safe hold on them. This is useful for a fire or tornado. If you can just grab them an run and be confident that you will not lose them in the process this is golden. It will also help with a situation where you are not at your house and a fireman has to get them out or something.
Proper hold: facing front (duh but you would be surprised lol) Arm around the outside of the cat and lifting them from the chest with your hand. You can then grab their front leg as close to their body as possible to secure them. Then with fore arm you can contain them, squish them to keep them from escaping and protect them.
Jackson is right, your attitude about giving meds and clipping toenails determines if your cat will be stressed or act as if it's no big deal. I am so good at peticures that I do it for my friends cats. Even kitties who resist my friends attempts are fine with me. My secret is to make it fun by singing to them and acting like they love it and they're being pampered.
I call it a peticure, too. We love being pampered, our animals will, too. Attitude!
Picking up my second kitten from the shelter on Tuesday!!! I’m so excited
My sweet Maizy paws my face and meows every morning at 8am. She's my alarm...love her so!
Pesky came to live with me 2 years ago today at 10 years old. She had been indoor/outdoor and had never had her nails clipped. I play with her paws every day as part of her being on my lap. I am up to being able to clip 3 on the same paw at a time. She only bolted for the door once when I left it open for a bit. Otherwise she has been content as indoor only.
Hello Tessa how’s the weather over there
I got two kittens. They have different personalities and don’t hang out with each other a lot but I feel they do enjoy having each other around and keep each other entertained.
Considering the fires we just had in Colorado, I really appreciate the part about blocking under the beds and areas we can't get to them quickly. Never thought of that, but what I would do in emergency is at the forefront of my mind right now.
I adopted an adult cat who previously lived another home. They day he realized that I can get under the bed to grab his rotten little butt was priceless 🤣
Thank you for all your videos! We are getting ready to add two kittens to our family. I never lived with cats before and your videos have been helpful to the preparation for them . I have been apprehensive with the thought of Rescuing these kittens do to the horror stories of cats behaviors. You have been a big Help in easing my mind. I have raised my children and it's just like babies. The 3 R's Build A sense of security which creates a confident capable thriving environment. Thank you for sharing your Expertise! I am so excited on the arrival of the kittens!! ❤️
We actually adopted our second cat like 3 weeks ago after getting our first like a year ago. And it's good to see him more active between play sessions. They seem to tolerate each other so far. Been showing them lots of love and has been going well.
9:53 lmao
That was basically me. Wasn’t until my husband said “look, I know you mean well, but I think you’re traumatizing them”
I was like Elmyra (remember her from Looney Tunes?) creeping slowly towards them going “but I love you and only want to make things better” 😩
Next time I tried trimming nails, I did it casually as my husband and I were watching TV and they were on our laps. I even trimmed _my_ nails - made an event out of it lol.
We just continued talking as if nothing was going to happen and made sure they were comfortable - massaged their legs and paws, gave them lots of pats, got them to where they were going belly up. I brought the nail trimmer out and continued to talk to my husband as if it was no big deal. They sat through it without issue. One kind of side-eyed me as soon as I made the first clip then started to smooth them over, but he just exhaled through his nose and closed his eyes like “okay we’re doing this”
Ever since, I haven’t had an issue. They even began to enjoy it after a while.
It’s one of the things I made sure to keep consistent when it comes to a routine, especially after one of our cats died here recently (they were brothers from the same litter, 12yrs) It’s a routine he’s familiar enough with to maybe understand things will be okay even though his other half is no longer with us.
**Edit**
In response to the last one, I agree! I am definitely going to get another one soon. We’re waiting for the grieving process to still settle, not only for us but for him (remaining cat), but I would love to adopt and give a sweet cat a forever home.
*Which leads me to my question that you or anyone else reading can help me with* …
When will I know the time is right to move forward? I’ll forever cherish my memories with my cat and the bond he had with his brother. I mean, I had a mini funeral for him - I still get teary eyed thinking about how much I miss him, but I still don’t want the cat we still have to be lonely (and he is). I just don’t know how to tell when it’s the right time (we lost him on 12/27/21).
He doesn’t sit at the end of the bed anymore watching for his brother to come down the hallway. He is back to his sleeping routine and isn’t up and down all night wandering through the house meowing, but I don’t know.
Should I give it another month to see how things are before we move forward? We’ve been making sure to give him lots of love during this time, but he’s definitely a company cat - enjoys not being alone, and sometimes we can’t always be home with him.
I don’t know when your edit was made, but I firmly believe your kitty that has passed on will send you a new kitty when you and your remaining kitty are ready. ❤️🩹
good tips! our cat that is FIV+ is not a good candidate for pet insurance, so having a health savings for him is essential.
My cats are into feng shui, it appears they actually embraced and perhaps celebrated the furniture rearrangements. Pleasantly surprised, I was worried they would get stressed. I moved my bed and installed a bookcase headboard... and the kitters are elated!!! The bookcase headboard is a natural cat walk/perch and they like it as new kitty furniture. The direct path was opened up more for fluid zoomability (the thundercat hide n' seek 😂) from the back room down the hall to across my bedroom and into the closet.
You taught us a lot when we got our first kitten, and thank you for all of your advice
My cat carrier is her safe spot.
I've watched this over n over to learn again and as a reminder! Ty so much!
My routine for my kitties is they have a garage all fixed up for them to sleep in at night.
Heater when it's cold.
I have a few cats and they love it.
It was hard when I moved to a big house with 3 cats.
Your advice is a life saver..
Thank you.
Why would you even Need them to go into a garage at night?
Love, love ur straightforward no nonsense, valuable info! As a former Kennel Manager for years, & now as a Veterinarian Assistant,(& I have 3 cats!) I especially liked ur "make the carrier ur cats safe place" hack! I can't tell u how many pet parents who DON'T follow this advice, struggle with missed or late appointments or terrified cats coming in to board @ the kennel bc they couldn't get their cat into their carrier. Also, blocking off unreachable places cats hide, God forbid, an emergency strikes, we WANT to be able to get r loved ones into their carriers fast & easy! Bravo, to u & ur excellent videos!!
I have always done that but this is the first time I've actually heard it as advice!
I adopted kittens 2 months ago and your videos have helped me so much! Something I started doing right away that has made all the difference is I set a special alarm for when I feed them. In the past, my cats have woken me up hours ahead of breakfast or have meowed at me for an hour before dinner time... but now they don't ever worry and run to the kitchen with glee when the alarm goes off! And if I happen to not be home for the time I have it set for, I still make sure to play the sound before I feed them the next time!
I will say we recently adopted our cat and she loves going solo. She's 2, and has been in foster homes with other cats. She would seclude, hide and hiss. By herself she is more open, and really embodies cat mojo! She's our little diva and probably an exception to the rule lol. Great video!
Adopting a second cat next to mine was the best decision I ever made. At this point I watch your videos for about two years, and you constantly telling me(us) I should adopt a second made me confident in it. Thank you!
All of these tips are working, I'm using them since I'm a cat guardian (the same two years), so thank you again! :)
After a year and a half watching you and the kitten lady, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT video I've seen!! I thought I was pretty educated about being a cat owner (adopted 3 within 3 months), this video is definitely life saving!!!! THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOO much, once again!!! You are truly the best!!!!!!😻😻😻
Jackson, I’ve been watching you since your first season of My Cat From Hell. In October of 2019 I became a first time car mom to two beautiful sweet boys. I have learned a lot from you and felted prepared to go on this adventure. It took one particulate “adopt me” video online that urge red me to adopt my first cats. Fallowing the things I’ve learned from you has made living with these two easy. People who meet our boys are always complimenting on their physic and behavior. Our vet is impressed with their behavior as well as the one time one of them at to go into emergency. The nurses and doctors at the hospital said our cat was a sweetheart and easy to handle. Thank you Jackson for getting me prepared to embark on this grand adventure.
We have 7 cats, all but 2 are rescues. My first cat I got while living with a friend; one of her cats had a single brown, half-siamese kitten, and that kitten went with me everywhere. Her name is Solo, since she was the only survivor of her litter. So when I moved out, she got in the car with me and we lived together :) Then one day I went to a local pet supply shop to see what they had, and apparently that morning they had someone leave a crate of kittens on their porch (although they don't accept animal dropoffs) and the only orange one was the runt and very sick. I had the time and money, and when he clinged to me I took him with me and Solo became "Momma" to him. He is now a big chunker, very healthy! Best buds. We named him Honey, sometimes Butter. Third cat cried on my porch until I opened the door, and a little gray 6-month-old kitten walked in my house and refused to leave. Such a loving sweetie. We call her Dusk, since that's when she showed up :) Fourth one... I was married at this point and we had a friend staying with us who knew a couple that had 4 big dogs and one tiny newborn kitten. It had gotten to the point of the dogs sitting on the kitten that they were afraid she'd die, so it was either us or they would toss her out to the streets or pound. So we took her in. Poor thing has anxiety issues, a heart murmur, and tummy problems. She looks like a cow, but her kitten meow sounded like a lamb's cry, so her name is Lamby! They all get along wonderfully. Fifth cat... It was Christmas Eve when we noticed a calico (thought she was a tortie at first, but she has a white belly!) outside shivering on our porch in the snow. We got the neighbors to help us catch her and she is the sweetest. She is 5yo FeLV+, and with consulting our vet, he gave us the green light to integrate her into the rest of the house. We have fully vaccinated kitties with yearly (or more) checkups and they're all indoors-only (except Dusk, who goes on walks with a leash). Sixth cat was supposed to be a foster. Our friend's friend picked up a tiny kitten off the road without checking for a mom. Our friend knew this friend tends to kill animals (starvation or neglect) so she took the kitten from her, but then realized she couldn't bring it home. So she brought it to us under the promise she would get new housing soon. She hasn't, but this kitty loves our family of cats and us! She's a very small Tuxedo with bug eyes named Baby (she might get renamed). Last one, number 7... Solo's mom apparently never got fixed (my friend's parents own her and they may or may not neglect their animals) so she has had many litters after Solo. (Even my Bro-in-Law has one of her "brothers" from another litter!) Solo's "sister" had a litter at my friend's house. One of them looked just like Solo, and it looked like they were neglected and being eaten by worms, so I adopted the little kitten before it got eaten by worms. Thankfully she didn't have any holes or worms like the rest and is perfectly healthy! 🎉 We named her Duo... To complete Solo! So now we like to say we have bookends... Solo, 5 other cats, and Solo's niece Duo. lol
They all seem to get along and cuddle, and we have a very strict "no more!" policy lol. We are blessed that I don't have to work so I make sure these kitties lives are enriched and loved. I try to take in as much of this kind of info as possible, if I don't already do it! 😊
Happy New Years! So excited! Thanks JG!
I have never had the problems you are talking about but think you are very good to supply this information.
I recently rewatched a lot of your videos and the nutrition one came on. I watched it again, I ended up switching to a mix of wet and dry food after that. My adult cat who had a lot of stress issues (he has anxiety meds from the vet) calmed down a lot more, so now I ended up switching to only wet food. And geez they pee all the time now, but mostly the agression issues are almost gone now. So thanks a lot Jackson and people really consider switching to wet food, I even calculated and the one I had to choose (cause one is really picky) ended up costing me as much or less than the dry food I used to have. ❤️
That is a great point about cost. People always assume that it will be more expensive, but it ends up actually costing similar to 'quality' dry foods.
I do have a couple of problems with wet food, however. First of all, I've tried many different brands, and my cats are simply not very interested. Second, they always come in individual containers, which I am not a huge fan of, whether it's plastic or metal
What did you switch to?
@@leggz2di4 My cats only eat the one from Aldi (I'm in France so it's Aldi South) but I had to shop around a lot to find something that worked for my cats. Don't give up hope if you are thinking of doing the switch with a picky cat ^^' (all the foods my cat didn't eat I donated to the local shelter)
@@MidoriTheAwesome Yeah, my cats had one they liked that was in individual bags I didn't stick to it cause of the waste...
I'm now on one that comes in cans (one can gives me 2 meals for 3 cats).
I intend on upcycling most of the cans (after a good wash) I want to make little insect hotels that I can scatter around where I live, bird feeders that will make great presents, candle lights etc.
But I'm aware that some of them will have to end up in the recycling bin. But did you know that Aluminium (which a lot if not most of the cans are made of) is one of the materials that can be recycled to almost 100% so it's one of the less wasteful materials. (I hope that info helps your conscience)
(I hope this comment doesn't come off as me being unpleasant, conveying tone in written languages that aren't my first languages is rather difficult sorry ^^' )
@@Piti_Pingu the English was perfect! And yeah I definitely want to lean towards cans if I can find one that my cats like, I'm about to go shopping and buy as many different wet foods as I can to try and fund something my cat will eat.
Glad to see I'm not the only one concerned about waste with individual meals:)
Long time viewer here. Thank you Jackson for the endless amount of educational tips for helping me raise my little ones to the best of my ability. Im still trying to work in a budget on swapping my two little ones diet away from grains. But I made the decision to get pet insurance. Practicing your advice has not only improved the relationship with my Kami and Joi, but has also grown a new mindset to how I view them as well. To me they are my kids. I will never stop attempting to make them both as comfortable and happy as possible.
When we changed our cats to wet food with a little dry mixed in, we're having to slowly get my oldest cat to move to wet, he's not a fan of change, we started feeding them 3 times a day. I work from home so it's super easy, they eat when we eat. They also get night- night treats when the dog comes in at night since we used a tear to get her to go in her crate. Now she knows crate means treat and she will go to her crate and wait fur her treat and they know when she's kicked up for the night they get their treats. Our youngest cat has horrible anxiety like I do and routines help me and it seems to help him as well. Oh yes, we trim those nails, just the tips. I have to purrito the 2 year old. My youngest is the easiest to do anything with. I never lie to him, I let him know what needs to be done and he's pretty tolerant. He's got allergies and sometimes needs pills. He didn't like it, but he seems to understand it's over faster if he cooperates. I do have to purrito him to get him into the carrier. I think I will try leaving one of the carriers on to of the dogs crate, that's a really good idea. I know they like to get in her crate because they like the smells she brings in. I agree, more is better. No matter how much they fight and complain about each other, they do enjoy grooming each other. My youngest isn't much in cuddling, but I must give him his and kisses, he decided he'll tolerate that since I hurry, I hurry because I knowit's hard for him to allow it, then he runs to another cat to wash the mama cooties off. He and I have compromises and since we both have horrible anxiety, we have a bond. My husband makes him nervous, he avoids him most of the time and he's been of work the last 2 weeks and Angus hasn't had much mommy time. When we do find a little time is so sweet, he really does like his hugs and kisses and scratches. It's almost like he's been pretending he really didn't want my to do it because he'll keep coming back, but pretending he's trying to get away. If he ready wanted to get away, he'd be faster. So it's our game. He's got a very sturdier place in my heart because I have to wish harder with him and he's made obvious efforts himself. He's never purred. I know not all cats do, but that just kills me.
UPDATE: Angus just got in my for pets and scratches and that baby was purring. It wasn't very loud, but I could hear it and feel it. It's been way over a year since I brought him home and today was the day. All that patience and compromise paid off. I'm so excited I had to tell everyone.
Yay!!
I’ve always thought that people that lock their animals up at night are cruel but hey maybe it’s just me.
You're the best Jackson! Wish you the best New year!
🐈⬛🐈⬛🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾my twins are sending purrrrs yr way
Thank you for being entertaining to watch for a longer length video. It made learning these things easier.
I rescued my 7 month old kitten from becoming a road kill as a feral kitten running back and forth inbetween busy traffic in front of my house, screaming for his mum when he was 6 to 8 weeks old. After hours of trying I finally managed to lure him inside my house at 4 am by playing the sound of a mother cat calling her kittens. He was totally feral and had to keep him in a crate for a couple days till he started trusting me and I could handle him. Unfortunately for him I'm his only playmate and it's never enough. 😤 have a back yard of about 100 m² closed of with netting. But recently he rediscovered the big outside world with big fields and mountains at the back of my house and he's determined to investigate and managed to escape twice. I caught him in time and he's sóóó frustrated when I pick him up to bring him back in that he starts growing and biting me. No drama, because he stops when I tell him to stop and apart from that, he's a sweet affectionate little fella. But my heart breaks because he's so frustrated and although it's for his safety, I feel like I'm keeping him in prison. Am not able physically to go on walks with him on a regular basis, like I did with previous cats were I would join them on hunting trips at night in a car free area. I can't wait for him to get older and calm down and hopefully in the mean time I find a place to live that hasn't got a busy road at the front.
Ok, just found this channel. Major cat lover, all my life, and love that you LOVE cats too. Grateful for your great ideas, many discovered over the years here too! Thank you!
I have another little tip, though it's kind of a downer. When you do take your cat into the vet, have the doctor teach you how to perform emergency CPR on them. It's different from humans, and doing it wrong could end in disaster. I had a girl tragically pass before my eyes a few years ago, and I had no way to save her. Now I at least know how to keep them going with chest compressions on the way to the ER, heaven forbid. If nothing else, it gives me peace of mind.
👍👍👍
Always good info Jackson thanks. I'm still learning, especially about the carrier.
Thanks for the great advice! . My most recent adopted cat likes the “unders”. Thanks for making me feel better about my choice to block those areas off. I am incorporating her in with my other three and it’s going slowly. If I block the “unders” I think it helps her move forward in her mind rather than staying still. ❤️🐈
Hello Diane how’s the weather over there
I’ve loved Jackson for so long, good to see him again
Hi Jackson! Happy New Year. I have had cats all my life, and know a thing or two. I was surprised to hear your comments about dry food, and will look into feeding my cats more quality wet food.
My main indoor cat, Artie, is almost 9 and has never peed or pooped outside the litteer box. But a few days ago he sprayed on some bags of wild bird seed in the living room. It had snowed heavily here a week ago and when he looks outside everything is blinding white. I think this is what upset him, perhaps made him feel threattened. Artie is neutered and indoor only.
Watched many Johns Galaxys videos and many of them worked. Thank you Jackson! ❤️❤️❤️
One thing I'll say about dry food: my boy Cashew has chylothorax and a sensitive tummy. His condition requires specific food and he only likes the dry kind. I'm just glad he's eating and in between the food and the Rutin he gets every day he's still alive and happy 4.5 years into his diagnosis. Considering that the first vet we saw wanted to put him down that's really impressive.
You're the best Jackson! Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏
When we got our cats, my mom said that we had to get 2 instead of 1 for that reason. We got a brother and sister from the same litter when they were 3 months old and it’s great having them both
I heard that cats like a routine, it didn’t take long. He miaows less and is much happier. Thank you for all of your wonderful work and helping me and my fur baby❤️🇨🇦
Thanks Jackson. Super informative. Especially the dry food advice. Seriously love your videos and adore cats have rescued many over the years and surround myself with cat lovers! Happy new year x
After 6 years I have finally give in to the 2 is better thank one idea just yesterday and its all thx to you ! ty Jackson you are the best!