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Cat Purrson (6/30/2009)
What your boy needs is lots of understanding and care, while maintaining his former lifetsyle to keep him happy. Make sure he gets plenty of time outdoors to stretch his legs, especially because you livein such small quarters.I'd get a collar/ID tag for him before you allow him outdoors though.  Keep us updated!
With all due respect, in a cultural setting that doesn't treat cats like treasured companion animals and where cats may actually be captured and EATEN by community members, I would NOT recommend allowing Lucky outside again as long as you are residing in Korea. He is currently happy with you living in your apt. and will continue to be happy as long as you provide him with lots of love, attention, and interactive playtime.
Laurie
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Supreme Being
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| I totally agree with Laurie - while it might be safe enough in some areas of the United States to allow a cat outdoors, one does have to keep in mind the culture and customs of the area in which one lives. Many other countries do not place the same value on pets as we do in the States. Even in this country, there are many dangers for pets roaming outdoors, except in some of the more rural areas. You've rescued this kitty once already and from what you've written, have already begun to fall in love - it would be terribly tragic to lose him now by letting him explore the outdoors!
Cats_Dolls  
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In an ideal world I'd love to let Lucky outside , but of he ever got away I would NEVER see him again, so he's only staying indoors. To that end, can anyone help me think of ways to excersise him?
Also, I don't think I mentioned it, but the vet says Lucky looks to be about 3, so older than I thought. he also says cats don't usually live past 13, which seems conservative to me...thoughts?
Todd
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todd8771 (7/1/2009)
can anyone help me think of ways to excersise him?
Todd, cats are pretty easy to entertain, but since I don't know what's available there in Korea, I'll tell you some of the favorite toys around here, and you can adapt the ideas to what you can find there:
Boxes - cats LOVE to cram themselves into boxes big and small
Paper bags - large paper grocery bags are particularly favorite places to hide and hang out (do NOT use plastic bags for this purpose)
Plastic rings off of milk bottle caps - don't know why, but cats LOVE to play with them
Laser pointers - GREAT FUN chasing that little red dot of light around. Just don't shine it directly into his eyes
Catnip - both fresh and dried makes many cats either go completely bonkers or totally zoned out. They love the stuff!
Ping Pong balls - LOTS of fun to chase around
Ribbon and string - If you drag this around your apt, Lucky will probably have great fun chasing after it, but do NOT leave it out for him to play with alone. Cats may ingest strings and require emergency surgery to untangle it from their intestines!
Those should get you started. Most likely, Lucky will find his own toys around your apt, too. Just make sure they're not small enough for him to swallow.
cats don't usually live past 13, which seems conservative to me...thoughts?
That may be true in Korea if cat's receive substandard care, but here in the States, with proper vet care and nutrition, it's not uncommon for cats to live into their late teens and early twenties. Of course as with any animal, genetics plays a part in longevity, too. Some cats die younger than others.
Laurie
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Hi Todd - how is it all going?? I would have helped you out but theres already a great support network looking out for you and your new addition here  Hope its all going well - let us know!
- - Kate & Kaluha -
 
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Hi,
I could really use some advice right now.
I took Lucky to the vet on Friday to get fixed. It was very hard to get him t=into the carrier even with tuna The vet said everything went well and asked me to bring him back yesterday. I did, but he thrashed and moaned in fear the whole way there. The vet gave him an injection of antibiotics yesterday and said everything was ok (as best I could understand). Then the vet told me to bring him back today (on his normal day off) which alarmed me, though he assured me everything was fine.
I left the carrier on the floor to lucky used to it, but when I tried to put him into it, he freaked, got away from me and is back to hiding under the bed. Not only did I miss the appointment, but now i'm afraid i'm back to square one and he won't trust me again.
Advice?
Also, should I be worried the vet wanted to give him an injection two days in a row?
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Supreme Being
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| According the the Guinness Book of Records, the longest-lived cat was Cremem Puff, who died at the age of 38 years 3 days. Creme Puff's owner also owned the previous recordholder, Grandpa Rexs Allen, who died aged 33 years 2 months. My Tripod is 18, and hopefully she'll live longer than that. Did you ask the vet why he needed to see Lucky on his day off? Also, if a cat associates only bad things--like a scary car ride, then a strange-smelling place where he gets poked with needles and prodded, etc., he's not going to take kindly to the carrier. Try to get Lucky to associate the carrier with good things, if possible. Take him for a ride in it--working your way up gradually, of course--that results in his getting treats afterwards. No stops at vet's offices. Try to keep him guessing. That's going to take time, but if it's really bad, you may ask your vet for a tranquilizer pill for Lucky to give to him before you have to put him in the carrier to take him to the vet. I'm assuming Korean vets don't make housecalls.
Some cats are more special than others.Read my monthly blog: http://www.myspace.com/cataholic1
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Supreme Being
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For me, that is very odd. Male cats are relatively easy, not major surgery. I can't remember, old age, but if anything the vet might give me antibiotics (pills or liquid) to give at home. The only reason for a trip back would be infection, what the antibiotics are for, or swelling, oozing, just some rare problem. Does his testicle area look swollen or wet, does he act like he's in pain? Did you get any idea if this vet is familiar with treating cats? Lucky really should be doing well by now. I hope this vet doesn't see you as a financial resource!!! Anyway tell me how Lucky looks and is acting.
CricketYou don't have to be crazy to be my friend, but it helps!!! 
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Supreme Being
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Also, did you feel like you and the vet really understood each other? If not take an interpreter (sp?). Ask about antibiotics you can give at home and if there is something he is worried about. All I know is I take the cat in in the am, empty stomach, and pick him up at the end of the day. It is usually just that simple. All the vet says is to bring him back in a year when the vaccinations are due! I really feel for you!! Dealing with an animal you don't know much about in another country! Just the thought can set my head spinning!!!!
CricketYou don't have to be crazy to be my friend, but it helps!!!
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Hi Cricket,
well that's the problem. We don't speak the same language and since it's the weekend no one from work was available to go with me, so I'm not really sure. If he's subjecting my cat to extra pain just to get money out of me, i'll be really upset.
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