The cat's out of the bag

josephusminimus · Dec 14, 2012

I had all three inside, cranked up the RV and drove us around the meadow a few times just to let them know such things could happen without the world ending.  Figured later in the day I'd hit the road for the trial run 600 mile round trip, but turned them loose while I did a few more things on the RV. Haven't been able to catch them since. I think I can starve them into it if I play my cards right, but every time I catch one to put inside the other two break for the tall timber.

josephusminimus · Dec 17, 2012

Andrews Texas WIFI from library.  The cats performed well, but I'm guessing it's because I've always been a strong disclipinarian and didn't put up with any flack from them. The first 100 miles I did have to stop every few miles to let them wind down and cease the loud meowing.  But after that the biggest fear-point was the Walmart parking lot in Midland, full of people wanting to harm cats all night long.  Luckily we all had warm hidey holes. Fresh water system's showing a leak when it's under pressure, even after I turn off the pump. C'est la vie say the old folks. I'm mightily proud of those felines.  Not once did they make a run for an opened door or cracked window.

longjohn · Dec 17, 2012

Be careful Jack. I stopped at a rest area and a lady got out of her motorhome with her cat. Cat freaked out and did "run for the tall timber". Doubt if she ever got that cat back.

josephusminimus · Dec 18, 2012

LJ: Yep, it happens.

crazybill · Dec 18, 2012

Good luck with your cats Jack. I know they are important to you.  I subscribe to the belief that cats think we are the pets. I suspect that the only reason they are quiet in your RV is they are secretly conferring as to where they went wrong in your training. -Bill-

josephusminimus · Dec 21, 2012

Hi Bill.  Likely you're right. However, some folks who read my blog and live out on the NM/Texas boundary emailed me a while back and offered me a place to park with hookups for a few days.  During our morning-to-bedtime visiting the subject of the cats was discussed at some length.  They caught me listening instead of talking, suggested harnesses and leashes ought, at least, to be worth trying. The cats had been kept inside the rv and not allowed outside at all for a few days except me carrying them around, talking, petting, then sitting on the ground to let them feel West Texas dirt, holding them firmly by the scruff of the neck.  Wind blowing up to 60 mph, sky filled with dirt and cold. So when I got back to Midland I bought a harness and leash. Sheeze, they did so well I bought two more harnesses, next WalMart. This thing's looking up. Gracias, <IMG class=bbc_img src="http://sofarfromheavendotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/big-lake-park.jpg?w=500&h=423" rel="lightbox"> PS:  If you read online the Big Lake, Texas park has free overnight RV connections, be prepared to pay $15 or drive somewhere else.

josephusminimus · Dec 24, 2012

Those harnesses appear to be the way to the truth and the light.  They stay in place when the cat tries to wiggle out of them, are reasonably inexpensive, and the cats don't appear to mind them after the initial irritation of having them aboard. Mine are called, Simply Dog, sized to fit a small dog, are adjustable by a velcro attachment across the back and two straps in front of the shoulders.  They cost $10 at WalMart.

josephusminimus · Dec 26, 2012

Yesterday the temperature was dropping and the wind was coming up, cats all asked politely to be allowed to sleep inside the rv, to which I agreed.  But one of the neighbors had asked me to come have Christmas dinner with them, so the time came to leave and I figured the easiest way to get the felines out of their hidey holes and outside would be to crank up the engine and let it warm, then open the door. Even when I rolled it forward and back a bit, didn't raise an eyebrow nor bring one of them out of the hideyholes.  Had to physically remove each of them. These cats are fairly relaxed about travel, thinks I.

sl1966 · Dec 28, 2012

I'm seriously considering buying you this book Jack ... <a href="http://theoatmeal.com/kill" rel="nofollow">http://theoatmeal.com/kill </a>

josephusminimus · Dec 29, 2012

Thanks Steve.  Best keep thinking about it a while.  These cats are all Humpty Dumptiests, veterans of near death experiences and of a practical mindset.  Their chief concern is that I live longer than them, as opposed to them living longer than me. They passed through the stage of actively wanting to kill me on occasion back around a decade ago when they were nearer five years old, or so.  The issues addressed in the book are for younger, less enlightened cats and their human partners of a less certain age-group.

RV-Kitty · Dec 30, 2012

We have 4 cats and never would even consider letting them outside our RV no matter where we're parked. All have a chip but too many cats head for the hills and are never seen again once out of an RV. Another RV forum had a large thread on this topic recently.  Some harnesses are made in such a way that it's easy for a cat to escape, to wiggle out of them.  When we're snow birding we carry them out to a screen room with a floor (escape proof) for a change of scenery.  They also have a large cage covered with window screen attached to the bedroom window of our TT when we park somewhere for more than a few days. They can come and go as they please but cannot escape.  You're taking a heck of a chance letting them outside the RV.

josephusminimus · Dec 30, 2012

RV Kitty:  I respect how you choose to deal with your feline companions, what you do, would do, wouldn't do.  I also respect the way I choose to deal with mine, knowing each of them as individuals as opposed to generic beasts.  If I didn't respect the way I choose to deal with them I'd find another way of dealing with them.  Presumably the same as you've done in dealing with yours. Risks are a part of life I try to evaluate within the contexts of specific circumstances, situations and individuals, both with humans and with felines.  What anonymous strangers writing somewhere about their experiences with other situations, circumstances and individuals might be interesting from a statistical persective [if such statistics existed] but I don't see them as having any bearing on any particular non-generic individuals and circumstances.

RV-Kitty · Jan 2, 2013

"What anonymous strangers writing somewhere about their experiences with other situations, circumstances and individuals might be interesting from a statistical persective [if such statistics existed] but I don't see them as having any bearing on any particular non-generic individuals and circumstances." I guess I just assume everyone cares as much about, and values the lives of their cats as my husband and I do. Your reply above makes little sense to me. If you didn't want comments I have to wonder why you posted how you treat your cats at all. <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/confused.gif" class="bbc_img">

josephusminimus · Jan 2, 2013

They prefer otherwise. Edit: Incidently, something scramble part of your post - it went vertical. I doubt I care less about my companions than you care about yours.  I just don't choose to have my caring about them manifest itself in their lives the same way you caring about yours manifests itself for them. I don't mind your comments.

Where~the~wind~blows · Jan 2, 2013

RV Kitty Jack accepts and allows his cats to the free thinking free spirits that they are, and allows them to be the explorers they are genetically programmed to be. Me I don't like free roaming of any domesticated type pets! dogs, cats, etc.  Not because of the dangers to them but of the dangers they pose to wildlife and other domesticated animals. I feel a life in captivity for many animals is like a prison sentence. Many rebel, become runners, or escape artist to the point where many owners just allow there pets moments of freedom...or pets not allow proper exercise often become riddled with health issues from to much food not enough exercise... To that I will say Jacks cat's seem very healthy, lean and content....and while I don't like to see loose pets I am often captivated by their ability to be what they are, animals....This video sums up why pets should not be allowed to roam... https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ADGn1GABF0Q PS: I wanted to add that Jack can hold his own quite well in a room full of angry two legged felines, and wasn't trying to steal his vocal thunder..... although I do enjoy at times deciphering his read between the lines posts

josephusminimus · Jan 2, 2013

The pet owners who post here appear to be responsible people of conscience, searching for ways to deal with parallel issues of travel and the well-being of the animals they share their lives with.  If I hadn't had contracts with these I'd have been away from this place long ago.  I troubled myself over a long period of time trying to come up with a way to leave that didn't involve violating the spirit of my contract with them. When the RV came into my life it seemed an adequate solution, provided the cats proved able to adapt to it.  But even within that comparatively large space it's a tight fit, and it's going to be, no matter how I approach it.  We're all going to have to make compromises. Where The Wind Blows, I'll confess these cats have a long history of being hunters.  Dwarf cousins to lions and leopards, they've made quick work of gophers, mice, rats, small rabbits, moles, and regretfully, the occasional songbird.  I doubt they'll have much opportunity for that side of their characters living in an RV, even when I'm parked on public land in some remote spot.  They're all savvy about the wild, had to be to survive as long as they have. Out in nature everything plays for keeps and the critters doing the playing are mostly bigger, tougher and more dedicated than a non-feral domestic cat.  The Great Divide between predator and prey will be a lot fuzzier in the wild for most cats than they're accustomed to if they haven't been there/done that as these have. I haven't made the choices I've made with these cats and this RV as part of any higher ideal or crusade for some betterment of the animal kingdom as a whole.  I'm trying to live up to a contract making the best of it for all concerned within the limits of my capabilities. My contract says I have to try to live longer than they do if I can, provide them with sustenance and shelter as sufficient as I'm able to provide for myself, and be an affectionate friend.  That doesn't leave me a lot of elbow-room.

RV-Kitty · Jan 5, 2013

Where_the_Wind_Blows said:
RV Kitty Jack accepts and allows his cats to the free thinking free spirits that they are, and allows them to be the explorers they are genetically programmed to be. Me I don't like free roaming of any domesticated type pets! dogs, cats, etc.  Not because of the dangers to them but of the dangers they pose to wildlife and other domesticated animals.

You don't care if your cats are killed in the most horrific ways by predators, cat haters etc?  That's what you're saying when you say you're not concerned about the dangers to them.   Why have them then?  When we adopt an animal of any kind it's our responsibility to care for and protect that animal for it's lifetime or for as long as we keep it.  They don't know of the dangers out there, we do.

I feel a life in captivity for many animals is like a prison sentence.

It's not a prison sentence. It's being a responsible owner.  Letting them run loose to be run over, crippled or killed by sadists and predators, picking up diseases and parasites is better?  There are loads of cat toys out there including those new cat-trees and condos. They like looking out windows and there are those safe outdoor enclosures in all price ranges. And of course we have to consider the wildlife cats destroy.

Many rebel, become runners, or escape artist to the point where many owners just allow there pets moments of freedom...or pets not allow proper exercise often become riddled with health issues from to much food not enough exercise...

They become runners and escape artists because they're BORED, LONELY and not neutered or spayed. There are plenty of people who are too cheap to buy their cats toys and cat-trees/condos. Or they only have one cat. Cats are happier when there are two or three that grow up together.  Statistics show indoor-only cats live a lot longer than outdoor-indoor cats.  This has been known for many years. There are good cat forums and websites where you can learn proper cat care and what makes them content and happy. They get fat because the owner feeds them cheap grain filled kibble instead the proper diet, and feeds them too much. See:  www.catinfo.org  They do not get riddled with health issues if not OVERFED cheap kibble.  Those allowed to roam are the one who become riddled with health issues. They pick up all kinds of internal and external parasites and a variety of diseases. They come home with abscesses and injuries from fights, attacks by other animals, and are often fatally injured by motor vehicles.  They get sick from eating poisoned rodents or die because someone poisons them. These things do not happen to indoor-only cats.

To that I will say Jacks cat's seem very healthy, lean and content....and while I don't like to see loose pets I am often captivated by their ability to be what they are, animals....This video sums up why pets should not be allowed to roam... https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ADGn1GABF0Q PS: I wanted to add that Jack can hold his own quite well in a room full of angry two legged felines, and wasn't trying to steal his vocal thunder..... although I do enjoy at times deciphering his read between the lines posts

No pets should be allowed to roam. Working in an Animal Hospital in NY for years I saw the results of roaming cats and dogs. There is no legitimate excuse to allow them to roam free.

josephusminimus · Jan 6, 2013

RV Kitty:  I agree completely.  No excuses needed. Every extremist needs someone with a differing viewpoint to condemn.  My cats and I are here to serve. Glad to be of help.  No compromise, no surrender, no apologies. Live well and prosper.

akrvbob · Jan 6, 2013

RV-Kitty, I am going to have to respectfully disagree. Like Jack's cats, my dog is off-leash 99% of the time. We have gone for very long walks in the woods and desert where I have lost track of him for hours at a time.  He's too old now but as a young dog he has killed a fair number of wild animals. He has chased countless rabbits! You make very good and valid points, but after giving it serious thought, I just reach different conclusions. Bob

angeli · Jan 6, 2013

RV-Kitty, Well said.  I very much agree with you, for many reasons concerning both cats and dogs.  I observe that many people project their subconscious issues on their pets, and I think this is what happens when folks let their domesticated animals run free without containing or protecting them.  Just my opinion.   I'm sad, however to see the sexist comments are running rampant again. "Angry two-legged vocal felines.."  REALLY? What's up with this place lately. Jack, although you make good debate points, calling someone who disagrees with you an extremist is not only rude, its a sign that your argument is weak.

The cat's out of the bag

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