The advice thread for random problems

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So I mentioned a while ago that my cat died. I had two and before she died me and the kids were talking about how we wanted a little ginger kitten. We were ready to have three cats. Then my cat died and we didn’t really think about it. My cat that’s been left behind is heartbroken still (understandably) they had been together awhile. The person who I got my two off has some kittens who were ready to go, last week. She’s offered me…..a ginger one. There’s quite a few “signs” pointing to this cat, if you will. However I worry about my other cat. Will she hate having a kitten around? Will it help her maybe? My cat is three so I am not sure how she will be with a small and tiny kitten around.
My husband did this when our cats sister died. He bought a kitten and it was a disaster.
Cats are generally solitary animals and while they will be friendly with siblings they don’t like other cats coming into ‘their’ house.
 
So I mentioned a while ago that my cat died. I had two and before she died me and the kids were talking about how we wanted a little ginger kitten. We were ready to have three cats. Then my cat died and we didn’t really think about it. My cat that’s been left behind is heartbroken still (understandably) they had been together awhile. The person who I got my two off has some kittens who were ready to go, last week. She’s offered me…..a ginger one. There’s quite a few “signs” pointing to this cat, if you will. However I worry about my other cat. Will she hate having a kitten around? Will it help her maybe? My cat is three so I am not sure how she will be with a small and tiny kitten around.
My friend had a cat an recently got a kitten, they got on great together but she's now gotten another kitten an the first cat seems to hate this one so not sure why that's the case that it seemed to take to the first one an now it won't with this one

Would the person be willing to let you have a hours "trial" at your home with the kitten, bring it over an you could introduce your cat to it an give it a hour to see what will happen? Am not sure how introducing cats work as I've never had them but whenever I've had to introduce new pets to the ones I have I completely wash down the room am going to introduce them in so I get rid of scents an let them meet one another on "neutral" grounds an either they take to one another or they don't within the hour
 
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So I mentioned a while ago that my cat died. I had two and before she died me and the kids were talking about how we wanted a little ginger kitten. We were ready to have three cats. Then my cat died and we didn’t really think about it. My cat that’s been left behind is heartbroken still (understandably) they had been together awhile. The person who I got my two off has some kittens who were ready to go, last week. She’s offered me…..a ginger one. There’s quite a few “signs” pointing to this cat, if you will. However I worry about my other cat. Will she hate having a kitten around? Will it help her maybe? My cat is three so I am not sure how she will be with a small and tiny kitten around.
Have a look at Jackson galaxy videos,he's got tons of stuff on introducing cats and generally if it's done well, most cats can live together eventually. Especially if your cat is already used to having other cats around. My friends had a cat and got a kitten and they did not get on for a while, it took them about 6-8 months but now they're great friends. For my cats it only took a few weeks
 
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Cat either love, hate or tolerate each other. You won't know until you slowly introduce them. it might take a long time or might be ok right away.
 
So a bit of back story.
I’m unsure of the origins of my two original cats. They were I think cousins. The cat that died was the lovable playful one and the one we still have is the diva. Hence my worries. However she was clearly heartbroken and the dilemma was, she’s always been with a feline companion. I wanted to ease her out of her grief without rushing her Ofcourse. But as stated in the thread already she did display some behaviour issues. She wasn’t using her litter box. She was being a lot more fussy wirh food. She would eat but only certain flavours. She didn’t really leave the bedroom where the cat was found.

We did end up getting the kitten. I had been toying with the idea for a while now. The girl I got the kitten off has said should I need to give her back I can do. However, I can’t realistically do that as I have three children.

The kitten came home today and so far so good! The kitten is also a mini diva 😂 but she’s settled in well already. She’s used to a busy household anyway! The cat I previously had has met the kitten but doesn’t pay her much attention. Slowly she’s getting closer to her. But we’ve had no rights or even a swipe! Also on top of that, my heartbroken cat has started coming out of her shell. I think she knew something was occurring because as the kitten was on her way to me she came into the living room and rubbed her chin on a few things 😂 and then went upstairs. Bur she’s been downstairs much more today than the past few weeks. She’s also used her litter tray! As I’ve not had any clean up missions!!
 
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So a bit of back story.
I’m unsure of the origins of my two original cats. They were I think cousins. The cat that died was the lovable playful one and the one we still have is the diva. Hence my worries. However she was clearly heartbroken and the dilemma was, she’s always been with a feline companion. I wanted to ease her out of her grief without rushing her Ofcourse. But as stated in the thread already she did display some behaviour issues. She wasn’t using her litter box. She was being a lot more fussy wirh food. She would eat but only certain flavours. She didn’t really leave the bedroom where the cat was found.

We did end up getting the kitten. I had been toying with the idea for a while now. The girl I got the kitten off has said should I need to give her back I can do. However, I can’t realistically do that as I have three children.

The kitten came home today and so far so good! The kitten is also a mini diva 😂 but she’s settled in well already. She’s used to a busy household anyway! The cat I previously had has met the kitten but doesn’t pay her much attention. Slowly she’s getting closer to her. But we’ve had no rights or even a swipe! Also on top of that, my heartbroken cat has started coming out of her shell. I think she knew something was occurring because as the kitten was on her way to me she came into the living room and rubbed her chin on a few things 😂 and then went upstairs. Bur she’s been downstairs much more today than the past few weeks. She’s also used her litter tray! As I’ve not had any clean up missions!!
How absolutely lovely! I'm so pleased it's gone so well for you. I've just introduced a kitten to my two cats and it's been a bit dicey. After an ok start one of the older ones spent several days growling at both the kitten and us and making odd clicking noises. We couldn't get near him. It was a bit like he had some sort of feline breakdown.

Things are much better now though and they have even started cuddling up together! Our other cat just sits and glares from the other side of the room.

There's a share your cat thread (if you're not already aware of it). We'd love to see some kitten photos 🙂🐈.
 
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I’ve been collecting bones during cooking to use for broth. Is it safe to use bones left over after eating?
 
Has anyone ever experienced an under eye twitch that's lasted for days?
I've had it in the past but for just a few minutes at a time, then it goes away. I'm on day 5 now and it's doing my head in. It has lessened a bit. It was constant but it's slightly more intermittent now. I have a neuro problem (a weird and wonderful type of migraine) but it isn't that because I tried taking the acute medication to see if it would go away and it hasn't.

Has anyone got any tips to get rid of it? It's bothering me now.
 
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Has anyone ever experienced an under eye twitch that's lasted for days?
I've had it in the past but for just a few minutes at a time, then it goes away. I'm on day 5 now and it's doing my head in. It has lessened a bit. It was constant but it's slightly more intermittent now. I have a neuro problem (a weird and wonderful type of migraine) but it isn't that because I tried taking the acute medication to see if it would go away and it hasn't.

Has anyone got any tips to get rid of it? It's bothering me now.
oh i’m sorry! i used to get them frequently (always in my right eye) for days at a time if i was tired or if i’d had too much screen time. i found the only way to really help was to restrict my phone/computer use where i could so my eyes weren’t stressed, and to lie down with a cold/lukewarm cloth over my eyes for 15 minutes or so in the evenings. slices of cucumber work too, or one of those gel eye masks.

it’s so annoying though, i really feel for you. my optician (when i went to him about mine) said that they basically tend to happen when the eye is worn out, so i would maybe think about anything that you’ve been doing over the past few days (working on something that means a lot of computer time for example) and trying to cut that down.
 
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Has anyone ever experienced an under eye twitch that's lasted for days?
I've had it in the past but for just a few minutes at a time, then it goes away. I'm on day 5 now and it's doing my head in. It has lessened a bit. It was constant but it's slightly more intermittent now. I have a neuro problem (a weird and wonderful type of migraine) but it isn't that because I tried taking the acute medication to see if it would go away and it hasn't.

Has anyone got any tips to get rid of it? It's bothering me now.
Yes i have had it for almost 2 weeks at at ime.
drives me insane. usually from lack of sleep , migraines and too much screen time in my case.
closing my eyes for hour or two has helped.
 
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oh i’m sorry! i used to get them frequently (always in my right eye) for days at a time if i was tired or if i’d had too much screen time. i found the only way to really help was to restrict my phone/computer use where i could so my eyes weren’t stressed, and to lie down with a cold/lukewarm cloth over my eyes for 15 minutes or so in the evenings. slices of cucumber work too, or one of those gel eye masks.

it’s so annoying though, i really feel for you. my optician (when i went to him about mine) said that they basically tend to happen when the eye is worn out, so i would maybe think about anything that you’ve been doing over the past few days (working on something that means a lot of computer time for example) and trying to cut that down.
I'm going to try the warm cloth now, thank you!

It started when I was on my days off so if anything I was using computers less. I'm wondering if it's stress related. There's a particular issue I'm dealing with at the moment which is incredibly stressful.
 
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I’ve been collecting bones during cooking to use for broth. Is it safe to use bones left over after eating?
Yes it’s safe, keep them refrigerated or frozen, you’ll heat them way beyond the danger zone to make broth.
If you have a butcher, you can usually get free meaty bones. Use your veg scraps (cauli leaves, peelings, stalks, onion skins, old lettuce etc can all be frozen until you’re ready) add to the bones and put them in the oven when you have it on. 20 mins min then add a load of water or roast until it catches then get it out & boil. The roasting first will give you the best flavour.
(Sorry if you know this)
 
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Yes it’s safe, keep them refrigerated or frozen, you’ll heat them way beyond the danger zone to make broth.
If you have a butcher, you can usually get free meaty bones. Use your veg scraps (cauli leaves, peelings, stalks, onion skins, old lettuce etc can all be frozen until you’re ready) add to the bones and put them in the oven when you have it on. 20 mins min then add a load of water or roast until it catches then get it out & boil. The roasting first will give you the best flavour.
(Sorry if you know this)
Thanks so much! This is so helpful 😊
 
How absolutely lovely! I'm so pleased it's gone so well for you. I've just introduced a kitten to my two cats and it's been a bit dicey. After an ok start one of the older ones spent several days growling at both the kitten and us and making odd clicking noises. We couldn't get near him. It was a bit like he had some sort of feline breakdown.

Things are much better now though and they have even started cuddling up together! Our other cat just sits and glares from the other side of the room.

There's a share your cat thread (if you're not already aware of it). We'd love to see some kitten photos 🙂🐈.
I think because she was a bit grief stricken she’s liking it. I mean, she’s getting a bit annoyed with her. Like when I put food down she came bouncing around for it and the kitten was already there and she just waited behind her.

I’m going to find that thread now
 
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Me again 😂
So this morning I locked my porch door. It was all fine until then. However when I went to unlock it. It just wouldn’t turn properly. Just wouldn’t fully go any further to unlock. I tried as much as I could. Nothing worked. I’ve now realised a small portion of key has snapped off. I assume it’s in the lock. The door is a very old wooden door. Not the most secure. I do have another entry point to the house but I’d rather not use it If it can be avoided.

Any idea on how I can get the door open again, without the need for paying a lock smith as the door itself is so old.
 
Me again 😂
So this morning I locked my porch door. It was all fine until then. However when I went to unlock it. It just wouldn’t turn properly. Just wouldn’t fully go any further to unlock. I tried as much as I could. Nothing worked. I’ve now realised a small portion of key has snapped off. I assume it’s in the lock. The door is a very old wooden door. Not the most secure. I do have another entry point to the house but I’d rather not use it If it can be avoided.

Any idea on how I can get the door open again, without the need for paying a lock smith as the door itself is so old.
Is it a barrel lock? If so you can usually undo the screw on the side of the door, slide it out and put a new barrel in (approx £10 e bay etc).
I've done this a few times now ! My family like to leave the keys in, I come along and put a key in the other side and ruin the mechanism 🙄.
 
I can’t seem to get to the side or the door as it’s staying firmly locked 😩 but it’s more than likely that. It is a really cheap old wooden door. Lucky it’s not much added security to the house. As it is the first porch door but to get to the house is PVC proper door. (If that makes sense) So if I can get it off that’s okay as it’s likely to need replacing anyway.
 
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I can’t seem to get to the side or the door as it’s staying firmly locked 😩 but it’s more than likely that. It is a really cheap old wooden door. Lucky it’s not much added security to the house. As it is the first porch door but to get to the house is PVC proper door. (If that makes sense) So if I can get it off that’s okay as it’s likely to need replacing anyway.
Oh I see now. Mine was stuck open and just twizzling around. Luckily same scenario upvc porch door then upvc house door. At least you're secure ! X
 
If you’re not worried about the door, How fit are you? If it’s just a single bolt lock where the bolt has a curved side? A hard kick from the outside landed right on the lock can jump it out. If the door is really old and weaker than the lock it could break at that point though.
Alternatively YouTube drilling out a lock
 
I managed to get it open prizing the door with a spade. That’s how old the door is. I won’t be able to lock it. But at-least I can close it. I just have to remember to make sure that I lock the other door (I usually always do!)

I did panic a bit as I live on a main road, if someone saw me prizing the door open with a spade 😂 to look at the door you couldn’t tell it was prized open. Minimal damage was done.
 
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