I'm REALLY worried about our work cat.

[Death Metal Moe]

<p>Well we have&nbsp;a cat at my job, not sure if I ever posted about him in here.&nbsp; His name is Knuckles.</p><p><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/njdmmoe/373103792_l.gif" border="0" /></p><p><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/njdmmoe/Knucklesondesk.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>I know I've talked about him in my blog and on MySpace.&nbsp; He's a great cat that we took in.&nbsp; He was just a dumpster diving stray, but we got him to the vet, got him fixed, got him some shots&nbsp;and just recently got his hernia fixed.&nbsp; All the guys in the place who like the cat throw in money, and Pete who's in charge of our Service Dept.&nbsp; uses tips they get for doing jobs to pay for the cat too.&nbsp; </p><p>But the problem really is this.&nbsp; Is it fair to the cat to have him living in a warehouse?&nbsp; My job has a store front and a service area that's a big open garage basically.&nbsp; We have a litter box for the cat, food, water, he gets a bath every week or so, he's loved and constatly paid attention to. </p><p>But then the problems like what happened yesterday pop up.&nbsp; He comes back all fucking bloody from a cat fight.&nbsp; We washed him up in the sink, put peroxide on his cuts and he just slept all day.&nbsp; He's better now, but this kind of shit got me REALLY worried and thinking about what's best for the cat.</p><p>He has Feline AIDS or I'd take him but I have a cat.&nbsp; Everyone who loves pets at our job has them already too.&nbsp; I'm not sure what to do, but we can't keep him inside ALL the time, especially in the summer with the doors open.&nbsp; Plus I don't feel it's fair in the end to keep the cat there anymore.</p><p>Anyone have any suggestions for me besides finding him a good home.&nbsp; That fight rages on.&nbsp; Plus, I won't just give him to ANYONE.&nbsp; He deserves a child free home, to be inside and to be cared for and paid attention to.&nbsp; Maybe someone has experience keeping a pet safe at a shop or other job setting?&nbsp; </p>

[nevnut]

<p>the shop cat belongs here:</p><p><a href="http://www.ronfez.net/messageboard/viewmessages.cfm/Forum/52/Topic/48792/currentpage/4/page/KITTEN_FIGHT_.htm#bottom">http://www.ronfez.net/messageboard/viewmessages.cfm/Forum/52/Topic/48792/currentpage/4/page/KITTEN_FIGHT_.htm#bottom</a></p>

[WhistlePig]

That is a tough call. He might hate having a home where he's penned up inside all
day, though that would be best for him. His situation now isn't ideal, but much
better than him being out on his own with no food or attention. How old is this
cat? I just wonder how long he's been surviving like this. If he's still young he
might adapt easier to a new living (inside) situation if you find someone to take
him.

[angrymissy]

<p>If it is an option between no home, or the shop, he is definitely better off at the shop.</p><p>However:</p><p>A cat with Feline AIDS will live much, much longer if they are an indoors cat.&nbsp; The cat being outside and exposed to other cats, and their germs, with a weakened immune system, could shorten it's lifespan.</p><p>Is there anyway you can keep him confined to the shop only?&nbsp; Or create a fenced in area that he can outside in?&nbsp; The feline aids worries me, especially if he is getting into cat fights.&nbsp; </p>

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by angrymissy on 3-29-06 @ 2:56 PM</span>

[terryc35]

He comes back all fucking bloody from a cat fight.&nbsp; <p>That's hot</p>

[newport king]

Im certainly not gonna tell you what to do.

[Death Metal Moe]

<strong>newport king</strong> wrote:<br />Im certainly not gonna tell you what to do. <p>You see, now THAT'S funny!&nbsp; You take a negative and turn it into a positive.</p>

[newport king]

glad to be appreciated. and i thought most of my posts went unread.

[Jennitalia]

<p>Knuckles looks like my cat Marcelli.</p><p>He really shouldn't be let outside, as he could infect other animals that come into contact with, unless there is some&nbsp;way you can enclose an area outside.&nbsp; It's&nbsp;your workplace, so i understand your options are limited.</p><p>Most people (including cat lovers) would've&nbsp;just given up on Knuckles or put him under.&nbsp; Kudos to you, Mr Moe.&nbsp;&nbsp; You're a decent man</p>

[ShelleBink]

why not get a cage for the cat for overnight?&nbsp;&nbsp; put a litterbox, some food and a water bowl in there just so you're assured its safe at night.&nbsp; then just have it run around indoors during the day.&nbsp; duno how well this'll work, but its a suggestion<br />

[JerseyRich]

<p>That is a cute fucking cat. If I was a dumpster diving stray, I wouldn't mind being pampered by some nice fellas like you.</p><p>Now get him a lil' robe and some Barbra Streisand movies.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>p.s. Moe, are you playing Risk at work?&nbsp;</p>

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by JerseyRich on 3-29-06 @ 3:40 PM</span>

[Death Metal Moe]

<p>Just to let everyone know, Knuckles spends every night and all weekend in our store and backroom area.&nbsp; He has food, water, multiple places to sleep and a litter box that he uses.&nbsp; I don't think he's sprayed anywhere once in here.</p><p>My concern is now that the weather is getting nicer, our doors will remain open due to this being an unair conditioned warehouse basically.&nbsp; He is getting smarter though.&nbsp; With the doors open, he doesn't stray very far and usually spends a decent amount of time inside anyway.</p>

[UnknownPD]

<p><font size="2">I can identify with this. I bring my dog to work...</font></p><p><font size="2">Can't imagine that this cat would get a better life anywhere else. And while I tend to be more of a dog person... I always thought neutered&nbsp;cats were much less likely to get into&nbsp;fights with other animals...</font></p>

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by UnknownPD on 3-29-06 @ 3:47 PM</span>

[ShelleBink]

this may sound weird moe, but why not put a collar on him and place a light chain outside.&nbsp; i do this with one of my cats at home, so he can run around in the grass but he won't run off too far.<br />

[Jennitalia]

<strong>Death Metal Moe</strong> wrote:<br /><p>Just to let everyone know, Knuckles spends every night and all weekend in our store and backroom area.&nbsp; He has food, water, multiple places to sleep and a litter box that he uses.&nbsp; I don't think he's sprayed anywhere once in here.</p><p>My concern is now that the weather is getting nicer, our doors will remain open due to this being an unair conditioned warehouse basically.&nbsp; He is getting smarter though.&nbsp; With the doors open, he doesn't stray very far and usually spends a decent amount of time inside anyway.</p><p>he may be ok then.&nbsp; he'll probaby do that as the spring/summer progresses, and maybe hide under a bush or a tree nearby to get some shade.&nbsp; would it be possible to get a little fan to keep in the store at night, so he doesnt have to go out?</p>

[HBox]

<p><img width="182" height="232" border="0" src="http://www.computerwoorden.nl/woorden/wdb/gif/knuckles.gif" /></p><p>You're ripping me off. Hoo hoo.<br /></p>

[Death Metal Moe]

<strong>Jennitalia</strong> wrote:<br /><strong>Death Metal Moe</strong> wrote:<br /><p>Just to let everyone know, Knuckles spends every night and all weekend in our store and backroom area.&nbsp; He has food, water, multiple places to sleep and a litter box that he uses.&nbsp; I don't think he's sprayed anywhere once in here.</p><p>My concern is now that the weather is getting nicer, our doors will remain open due to this being an unair conditioned warehouse basically.&nbsp; He is getting smarter though.&nbsp; With the doors open, he doesn't stray very far and usually spends a decent amount of time inside anyway.</p><p>he may be ok then.&nbsp; he'll probaby do that as the spring/summer progresses, and maybe hide under a bush or a tree nearby to get some shade.&nbsp; would it be possible to get a little fan to keep in the store at night, so he doesnt have to go out?</p><p>Oh, the store is open to him as well as part of the backroom at night.&nbsp; The store is climate controlled, so he'll be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. </p><p>I'm not worried that he's going to be uncomfortable, I'm worried that he's going to get beat up outside, and not sure if it's really fair to him to be in a shop all day.</p><p>But if I can't find him a home, he's safer here than outside.&nbsp; I guess I just have to try to remember that.</p>

[Jennitalia]

<p>yeah, it's MUCH better for him being inside than outside, living how he is now than just in a shelter waiting to be put to sleep, or being on the streets constantly fighting and dying. </p><p>Think of it this way, the situation is somewhat reversed to a &quot;normal&quot; cat owner in that the cats are left alone during the day, and maybe an occasional weekend if the owner goes away.&nbsp; You and your co-workers are Knuckles' family...you're there all day and he's alone at night.&nbsp; Do you have an old blanket, or an old sweatshirt/flannel that you could bring in for a li'l bed?&nbsp; I'm sure knuckles would love to fall asleep at night to the smell of Moe.&nbsp; maybe get a couple of toys so he can keep himself occupied...</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>My cats are indoor cats, and they sometimes get sad faces because they want to go out and play.&nbsp; but for the most part, they're extremely happy cats</p>

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by Jennitalia on 3-29-06 @ 4:35 PM</span>

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

<p>It's much more humane to keep him indoors. If he has a place to stay that's climate controlled then that is ideal. </p><p>It's really great what you're doing, Moe.</p>

[ShelleBink]

<p>&nbsp;</p><strong>Alice S. Fuzzybutt</strong> wrote:<br /><p>It's much more humane to keep him indoors. If he has a place to stay that's climate controlled then that is ideal. </p><p>It's really great what you're doing, Moe.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I second that :o)&nbsp;</p>

[landarch]

That cat has the life!!!!&nbsp; Is he fixed?&nbsp; If not, That might mitigate some of his fighting.&nbsp; We had a boy cat once that would disappear for days at a time, only to come&nbsp; home with some sort of ailment caused by his fighting.&nbsp; Once he was neutered, he still spent his time out, but didn't go as far and didn't fight ever again.&nbsp; Didn't spray any more either.&nbsp; otherwise, I wouldn't worry about where he is being kept.&nbsp; With that many people around that like and pay attention to him, plus the opportunity to come and go at will, there is nothing more that can be done for him that could make his life any better.&nbsp; SOunds like he's the star of the place.

[Tall_James]

<p> I'm sure knuckles would love to fall asleep at night to the smell of Moe.</p><p>Who wouldn't?</p>

[MilkmanDann]

Just let him stay where he is. He's comfortable, accepted you guys and vice-versa. Its his territory now, course he's gonna fight.&nbsp;Look at him as a mini-tiger. Try to confine a stray into a totally boxed in area and it goes against everything they know, your situation is perfect.

[torker]

<p>Moe,</p><p>There is a place set aside for you in Rock and Roll Heaven.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Love,</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Torker</p>

[ShelleBink]

<p>&nbsp;</p><strong>luvafroshows</strong> wrote:<br />That cat has the life!!!! Is he fixed? If not, That might mitigate some of his fighting. We had a boy cat once that would disappear for days at a time, only to come home with some sort of ailment caused by his fighting. <strong>Once he was neutered, he still spent his time out, but didn't go as far and didn't fight ever again.</strong> Didn't spray any more either. otherwise, I wouldn't worry about where he is being kept. With that many people around that like and pay attention to him, plus the opportunity to come and go at will, there is nothing more that can be done for him that could make his life any better. SOunds like he's the star of the place.<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Of course he didn't fight! He had no manhood!</p><p>Hehe.&nbsp;</p>

[fezident]

<strong>Burblefrump</strong> wrote:<br />Just let him stay where he is. He's comfortable, accepted you guys and vice-versa. Its his territory now, course he's gonna fight.&nbsp;Look at him as a mini-tiger. Try to confine a stray into a totally boxed in area and it goes against everything they know, your situation is perfect. <p>I agree with this.&nbsp; The cat is really happy to go on patrol and protect his turf.&nbsp; Even WITH the injuries...he is happy.&nbsp; </p><p>Good luck(les) to Knuckles.&nbsp; </p>