Hi,
Inherited a lovely cat named Dempster.

Dunno how old he is but I'd estimate anywhere between 4 and 5 yrs old. He's a mature cat anyway.

His previous pet was leaving and he chose us. He gets along with our dog and fishes fairly well, though he tries every now and then to eat the fish.

He robs the fridge every night. He opens it with his paw. He is very vocal when anyone calls out "Supper's ready". He won't shut up. He's affectionate, but on his terms.

He sleeps in my bed. He never scratches or bites or anything --- very mellow and placid. PLACID! Easy going guy. But, he kicks all the other cats asses (he comes home with war-wounds sometimes - nothing serious -- minor scratches and evidence of fur having been messed with).

He broke his left arm/paw (I think he was run over by a car) about 18 mos ago. The first joint above the paw bone is stiff and won't bend anymore - won't budge at all --stiff as a board. He looks lovely when he is sitting up --a very distinguished stance because of this. Sometimes he limps and I think he is pain. And, sometimes he walks rather normally and you'd hardly notice he had a problem. In fact, his previous pet never told me about his accident/injury.....I just happened to notice him limping one day ....and found out when I asked if he'd hurt himself before. I'm not sure what makes it worse or better really.

He eats like a pig. He eats more than the dog who eats a lot (our dog weighs 27 kgs ...he eats) - if given the chance.

He stole a whole packet of pork sausages out of the fridge. Ate them all (though he swears the dog helped him, but I have my doubts coz I've seen him kick the dog's ass when it comes to food and the dog doesn't mess with him other than herding him and Dempster doesn't mind the herding which is kinda weird.......and funny).

He also stole a WHOLE (roasted) chicken and ate every last scrap of it (though, the same again...but this time I think the dog did get some).

Anyhow, he's a pig. He's officially fed twice a day (raw fish, chicken.....he's WELL fed VERY good and fresh food!). Aside from that, he eats what he can get otherwise.

He figured out how to open the bread box. That is now turned inward. He tries to turn it around somemtimes. He loves cake. He stole one off the table once and ate his fill. Unfortunately, since he scratches after toileting, we couldn't save the remains .

He opens bread packets that are left on the counter. Just one claw and he rips the packet open -- stabs the bit he wants and ever so delicately holds it to his mouth to partake.

Do ya get the picture?

His coat is tiger striped. He's beautiful.
He loves to be stroked and petted. He purrs a lot. I noticed he is touchy about having his nose approached, stroked or touched in anyway....but he only pulls away.

He lets children wrap him up in blankets and carry him round like a baby. Purrs the whole time. I would think he'd get hot, but he doesn't seem to mind the attention.

I was thinking though, that maybe he could do with a dose of Arnica. Could it be that simple? It's not a case of me taking him to have his paw reset. I don't want to put him through pain like that.....but do you think Arnica would be the way to go since he limps and is in obvious pain from time to time?

Oh, he likes catching and killing and eating rats (he eats ALL of the rat). He brings it to me first.....and I can't tell you how sad it is to hear the poor wee thing crying and tring to get away.....but I know Dempster is just showing me how much he loves me. Then he takes the rat outside (coz I tell him too and he does it) and finishes him off. Leaving no mess behind at all (on the stoop).

Any ideas??
Thanks, Austin

Without getting mixed up in the debate in combination remedies (see other thread somewhere else), I would suggest Hypericum 15CH and Arnica 15CH, the combination has never failed me in old injuries. As a tissue salt Calc fluor could also be considered.
(Give them at seperate times - then it's not polypharmacy ! (sorry, I apologize ))

__________________
Christiaan van Schalkwyk<br />Registered Homeopath (RSA) (M.Tech.Hom (Natal))

Fanks dahlink, while I appreciate your effort to help, I never use combination remedies. 50 lashes with a spaghetti noodle. Thanks anyway.
If his case works out to need one of those remedies at some time or another - sure.

Chris, Divina, Anna.... Gpm?..anyone around?..pretty please with-your-favourite-topping and a hearty thank you .

[ 03. January 2003, 18:11: Message edited by: Austin Powers ]

Well Austin, although I have not been requested I will comment anyways. Old injuries and agressive behavior do indicate Arnica to me, however I would wait for back up suggestions as the cat is not in immediate pain. The constant, ravenous hunger is not really "normal" for felines, but I happen to have about 5 of those myself (one of my cats will lie in wait when I'm making toast and will hop up and grab it as soon as it pops and make a run for it; its been years since I've been able to leave any food out; thank God mine haven't learnt how to open the fridge yet!). I personally think its a game to them (practising prey behavior, hunting skills etc.) and naturally they want to partake in the spoils. Parasitical infections (like tapeworm) can also cause this, but then you should see a distended abdomin and BM inconsistancies. Still if he's eating a lot of rodent and birds, you may want to add a natural dewormer to his regime occassionally. Is his weight normal? any problems with thirst and/or urination? I'm not sure that the constant eating must be addressed unless some other symptoms are present indicating a physical problem.
It would most probably be unproductive to attempt to reset the bone (not very sucessful, especially in cats with old injuries). Greetings.

Austin, I know people who eat less than this cat. He is HUNGRY. He must have worms.

I agree with Krista's suggestion of giving him a natural dewormer--but I also think you would do well to rep out a hungry remedy which also addresses the lingering old wound which won't heal. Also, he's vocal, extroverted, aggressive and lively--have you noted anything else about his behaviour?

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...and deliverance has many faces<br />but grace<br />is an aquaintance of mine

Dear Austin,

I will only speak to you, never again to gpm who has so unflatteringly referred to the two rulers of the Kingdom in a private mail as "tubbies" !!!!

Excuuuuuuse me madam gpm! I'm sure it was a mere typo and you really did mean to write "tabbies". But, the damage has been done. And you are dismissed.

In any event, Austin, apart from worming tablets, we feel Dempster would be more likely to benefit from lots of affwectionate cwuddles and pampewing. In a previous dynasty there was a feline ruler who had been run over by a car at an early age, managed very well for her reign of 15 years with a slight sideyways manner of walking, and never let her subjects down.

So, lean a chair up against the fridge. Easy. Problem solved. That's what I've done, I tell you there's gonna be some changes around here, come hell or high water....

&lt;Chubby, phhfft, indeed!&gt;

Chris

HI Austin,
Symphytum 30 should do it. Repeat as necessary.

One helluva cat you've got there. Sure he wasn't a King in some previous life?

Warm regards,
doctorleela

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Kkrista, I'm grateful and glad you 'posted anyways'. Didn't mean to not include you. Anyone is welcome to comment!! I'm glad you did. Thank you.

Dempster's BM's seem to be quite normal. He originally used a litter box (which I HATE with a passion), so when he came to us, I got him used to using our dog's door. Once he got used to that, he began toileting outside, so it's hard to know what his stool is like anymore, though I can't imagine it's changed much.

Apparently he ate like a pig before coming to us. Though, his previous pet said he might need worming. I agree it is probably worms that makes him eat so much right now. I'm loathe to put any chemicals into him. Any suggestions for natural worming? In fact, I always buy a rotisserie garlic roasted chicken each week to feed him --- along with raw chicken some times. And, he gets his fill of fresh (yes!) salmon, and any other fish bones/meat that is on offer. His diet is varied and he loves all of it. Anyhow, I thought the garlic might help, but maybe it needs to be raw? If so, any suggestions as to how I can get it into him without losing an eye? Or worse?

He's not aggressive toward me or children or anyone really. Only other cats who have the nerve to tread in HIS territory. Then he just kicks some serious ass. He is not afraid of any other animals it would seem. He's content and happy for anyone to pet and stroke him. He jumps up on my chest and lies on me for a cwuddles, often - purring contentedly.

He is as placid as they come. He makes himself comfortable - and he seems to like to be around people -- e.g. if I'm in the kitchen cooking, he plops himself right in my path (making me continually have to step over him) and purrs contentedly. He seems to get mildly annoyed if I move him 'out of my way' (by gently sliding him over a bit)....but only just kinda glares at me and then reclaims his spot, resuming the purring. I just leave him then.

When we sit down to eat - he becomes incredibly vocal. He responds with more 'vocalness' when anyone talks to him during this time. Persistent little bugger, eh.

Haven't seen him eat any birds. Maybe that is something to come. He seems to thoroughly enjoy catching and eating the rats.

Weight: he's solid - not flabby or anything - kinda like a 'tom'. His tummy is not distended. Listen, he's not a slim cat by any means, but he is not out of proportion in any way that seems obvious to me. I got the impression he's always been a 'solid' and beefy cat. He's certainly NOT delicate in anyway, despite his beatiful coat. Can you tell I love this cat? I really do. I've totally fallen for him - hook, line and sinker.

I'm mostly worried about his arm - the pain he's in. As I said before, it's not constant, and he never 'complains' when it's obvious he is hurting (limping becomes very pronounced and noticeable). Other than that, he is very agile - no problems moving - chasing - etc, even whilst in pain and limping which is only evident in his paw/leg.

Thirst and urination are normal. He drinks from the dog's bowl. Well, he'd be affronted if he knew I called it the 'dog's bowl'. Okay, a communal bowl. Is there a problem with that? I hope not, because I first put out a bowl for each of them and he always went to the dog's water bowl. So, to avoid cleaning two bowls, frankly...

Neither seems to mind the other's presence. In fact, quite the contrary; the dog adores him - follows him everywhere most of the time - and he loves the dog (in his own way). His response to the herding stance (I'm talking two inches away from the cat's face!) for e.g. is really funny; he just looks at our dog and resumes whatever it is he is doing - at his pace without any fear, trepidation, etc. One would hardly think he notices this other animal that's bascially in his face! The dog is always looking for him and making sure he is knows where and what Dempster is up too. I think the dog would be so lonely without Dempster now, if anything were to happen to him. I think Dempster would be fine no matter what - he's such an adaptable character - and so easy going/placid and loveable.

As for resetting the bone (we did consider this because I knew I could probably go for a good remedy to follow up afterwards...but....) I won't do it now, because I think it's just too traumatic and he's adapted to his loss of flexibility. I just want to address what remains of the pain and discomfort for him.

Thanks Divina. Is he really considered aggressive? Do you think this because he goes for his food so vigorously? (Couldn't that be just coz he has worms?) He's never hurt the dog (much less any of us or visitors -- only feral cats treading on his territory). He's swatted the dog a few times to let him know who's boss though, and believe you me, this cat is boss of the two and both know it, lol. But all is peaceful and content on that sorta note.

He's not bouncy or anything. I mean, most of the time, he lies in a few of 'his places' that he's claimed - and just snoozes, purring away. Then he goes outside when he feels like it (day and night, but mostly day/evening, I'd say) and hunts (I presume) - or to toilet. Most of the time (99%) he's just lying around. He doesn't chase things in the house. Except when I was wrapping Xmas pressies at the table and some ribbon was dangling down ...that is the only time I saw him batting at anything. Come to think of it though, he does like to play with string when anyone has time to dangle it about. But he seems contented no matter what. He doesn't seek 'play' like a kitten would. That is why I stress how placid he is. Also, he never 'attacks' moving-feet-under-the-covers. Maybe that's coz he's so mature now? Or part of his placid nature?...

He likes to scratch my carpets though . I'm not happy about that. And, he doesn't stop right away when I call his name in a non-accepting tone! I have to physically pick him up - telling him "NO". But, he does it again later when he feels like it. Why is it my NICE carpets he does it too? Why not the crappy ones? He once tried the side of the lounge-suite, but haven't seen him do that since I told him to beeeehave-baby. No rhyme or reason as to why he picks my good carpets. Oh well.....may be something I just have to put up with. Coz, there is no question about him staying or going.

I can't think of anything else about his behaviour, Divina. If I do, I will post it. I'm sorry this is so long, but hoping it will help give a better picture of who and what Dempster is all about. And frankly, seeing as I've only had him since his accident, I can't be sure what (if any) changes in his behaviour. And, his previous pet didn't have him before he was injured, so she doesn't know either. (I'm hoping his demeanour won't change much with a remedy!!)

Chris, talk to me when you've given up the photos of the beautiful tabbies, babe. Email will do. Sheesh man, what's with the world anyway? Though, I'm easily swayed to forgiveness by beauty (and I'm not talkin surface stuff either). Aw shucks, on second thought, in reading on further..
I'm there - just send me the photos anyway coz I wanna see them.
As for affwection, Dempster gets lots of affwection, cwuddles and pampewing. I mean, how can one not? He demands it in his special way that is absolutely irresistable. Even when I was seeing red over the last Whole Chicken episode....

Oh, and I have a lock on the fridge. Eventually we found the key. It works, but my brain doesn't always remember to lock it. (Chair didn't work - he just moved it, with apparent ease and complete disregard for its purpose! GPM is there anything you don't know about cats?)

Changes wound hewe. "Everything is changing, everytime I turn around.....hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm". (I'm singing a new song off a new CD I got for Chwistmas)
So, Chris, do you think Dempster could do with a wemedy or just the cwuddles for now?

Thanks Dr Leela for your suggestion. Does everyone else think Sympt is the way to go? If so, which potency? Dr Leela, do ya think maybe the bone just never completely 'set' into it's current place any maybe that's why there is still intermittent pain? (just curious)

Hope evewyone had a Happy Chwistmas. And a Vewy Happy New Yeaw.
Thanks for all your kinds and helpful thoughts. Austin

[ 04. January 2003, 18:43: Message edited by: Austin Powers ]

Oh, Dr Leela, I wonder if he was king in a previous life too! He certainly has the right demeanour .

Poor Dear Befuddled Chris, hate to tell you but those tubby tabbies have foiled your efforts and have figured out how to pull that chair away from the fridge and put it back unbeknownst to their human servant in the Kingdom. Chubby? Well.........I suppose that's one way to put it!

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