A couple of questions for everyone

[swatkat]

It's time for another story chat! Yay! I'm afraid I won't be able to participate in it as much as I want to, but I'll do my best. *g*

~

I just read this at switchknife's journal (she recs good fics, and I often drop by to check them out *g*). It's the same old topic – feedback, giving and receiving it. We've chatted about this many times in the FFMB, had a few very entertaining flamewars over the discussions (Can we have another one, msgenevieve? Pweeease?), and I'm sure we'll chat about them again. Meanwhile, switchknife's list urging the 'invisible readers' to review made me feel very guilty, because I definitely happen to be one of them. I have all the best excuses (they're listed there in the post), but they're just lame. I've made up my mind – I *am* going to send people feedback from now on, no matter how busy I am or how shy I'm feeling.

They say charity begins at home. About half my favourite authors in the LFN fandom are right here, in my flist, and I just realised that I've never really given any of you proper feedback. Yes, most of the stories *were* written before I came to the fandom, and I *am* kinda shy about sending people e-mails (even people I know, lol!) – but now that I've made up my mind, I think I should start by telling you how much I like your stories, and why.

So, what do you think? Should I do it? Would you mind receiving fangirly reviews from me? If you don't mind, then how do you think I should send them to you – mail or LJ? (LJ would be good, you know – maybe they'll inspire passers by to read your fics. Just sayin'. ) Is there any story you want me to pick? (The last question sounds like self-pimping, but please don't be shy. I asked – it's not tacky when you're asked.)

I know this sounds crazy, but I'm really serious. What do you say?

~

What is the right age for a kitten to be separated from it's mum? Any ideas?

Comments

[ellensmithee.livejournal.com]

What is the right age for a kitten to be separated from it's mum? Any ideas?

The earliest is about six weeks. Cat books say 8-10 is better. If they're too old, the other cats in the house won't get used to them.

Our cat's mother died when she was 3 weeks old, and she had some developmental problems, like fear of jumping. She also never learned to deal with the catbox properly (uses it, but doesn't scratch), which can be annoying.

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

If they're too old, the other cats in the house won't get used to them.

There are no other cats in the house, so that shouldn't be a problem. *g* The kittens are in good hands, so I'm ready to wait as long as it takes (if I do end up adopting one, that is). But if they're too old, would it be difficult for the cat to get used to a house?

Our cat's mother died when she was 3 weeks old, and she had some developmental problems, like fear of jumping. She also never learned to deal with the catbox properly (uses it, but doesn't scratch), which can be annoying.

Oh, did you hand-raise her?

Swatkat

[ellensmithee.livejournal.com]

But if they're too old, would it be difficult for the cat to get used to a house?

That shouldn't ever be a problem. :-) But you should keep her inside for about 4-6 weeks until she gets used to thinking of your house/apartment as home so that she doesn't run away.

I've also heard that you should limit them to one room for about a week after you get them, especially if you have other cats in the house, but our cat would have nothing to do with that. ;-)

Oh, did you hand-raise her?

No, the owners of the dead mother gave the kittens to the owner of the father. She fed them with an eye-dropper for another three weeks until they were "weaned" and old enough to give away. I think she probaby should have left the cats together for another few weeks because ours was pretty upset by leaving her siblings. The woman lived in a small apartment with her sons, the cat father, and a huge dog, so I imagine she just couldn't keep them much longer.

And yes, the whole situation was a bit "dodgy," but our cat has been fine. Despite not always covering her poo, she's one of the least neurotic and most well-behaved cats I know.

[ellensmithee.livejournal.com]

Another thing, if you're planning to let her outside:

When we first got her, we lived directly next to a train track (about 30 feet away). Our landlady had lived in that house for 40 years and had had a lot of cats in that time. She said it was a good idea to keep the cat in the house until it is at least 6 mos. old. Then they aren't as playful and reckless when it comes to playing on train tracks or on streets.

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

Train tracks? That's baaad.

I do intend to let her go outside, but our neighbourhood is pretty safe. No fast cars, no evil neighbourhood cats (there are a few, but they're pretty harmless). But even then, I'll follow your advice make sure she stays inside a little longer.

Swatkat

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

That shouldn't ever be a problem. :-) But you should keep her inside for about 4-6 weeks until she gets used to thinking of your house/apartment as home so that she doesn't run away.

Thanks, that's what I was worried about. *g* If I do adopt one of these kittens (*crosses fingers*), I certainly won't take the risk of keeping a 8 week old kitty - used to the companionship of her siblings and mum - locked up inside the house, because that's what will happen. I'll not be there all day to look after her, and I'm not sure it's healthy for a kitty that small to stay alone like that. I'd rather wait till she's old enough to take care of herself.

And yes, the whole situation was a bit "dodgy," but our cat has been fine. Despite not always covering her poo, she's one of the least neurotic and most well-behaved cats I know.

Heh. I've never had the problem of neurotic cats. I had all of them either when they were old enough to handle themselves, or with their mothers.

Swatkat

[theladyfeylene.livejournal.com]

For the kitten thing, 8-10 weeks is the best. The absolutely earliest is 6 and a half weeks, but it's generally not a good idea to wean them that young.

And as for feedback, I think all authors like getting it. Regardless of how long ago the story was written.

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

The absolutely earliest is 6 and a half weeks, but it's generally not a good idea to wean them that young.

I'm definitely not in a hurry. The kittens are in very safe hands, and their mum is competent kitty who knows how to take care them. *g* Actually, the older the cat is, the better it is for me, because I don't like the idea of having to leave a 2 month old kitty home alone all day. The only thing I'm worried about is that if it gets too old, then it might be difficult for it to adjust in a new environment.

And as for feedback, I think all authors like getting it. Regardless of how long ago the story was written.

I know they do. *g* I'm just very shy when it comes to sending people e-mails. That's why I wanted to practice with some people I know before going on to others. ;)

Swatkat

I have *no* idea about kittens

[jaybee65.livejournal.com]

So I'm afraid I can't help you there. Does this mean you're still thinkig of claiming one of them as your own? *g*

Now, as for that other question, I'm not going to lie. If you want to give me any feedback/reviews/etc. of anything I've written, be it fangirly or not, LOL, I'd love it. I'd be surprised if anyone turns that kind of offer down!

I wouldn't mind reading them on LJ, because that way I'd get to see what you thought of everyone else's stuff, too -- and I like seeing other people's opinions about stories that I've read. Of course, if anyone is uncomfortable about having their stuff "reviewed" on LJ, you should keep them out of it.

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

Does this mean you're still thinkig of claiming one of them as your own? *g*

Well, technically they *are* mine (in a way), because their mother is mine, and they live in the house where I grew up. Still, I want one with me, not in a place 50 miles away. If things work out, I may actually own a cat again. *g*

Now, as for that other question, I'm not going to lie. If you want to give me any feedback/reviews/etc. of anything I've written, be it fangirly or not, LOL, I'd love it. I'd be surprised if anyone turns that kind of offer down!

I'll try to be as normal as possible, but I'm afraid I may be slightly fangirly. *g* I figured I owe this to everyone, and I know I'll love talking about stories I've enjoyed so much.

Swatkat

Kitty questions...

[catsma.livejournal.com]

What is the right age for a kitten to be separated from it's mum? Any ideas?

As a multiple kitty owner or should I say human owned by multiple kitties..*g*...I'd say the best age is 8-10 weeks tops. Any younger and they're not weaned properly and MomKitty hasn't had the time to teach them the proper way to do things, like use the kitty box etc. Much older and they tend to not be quite as human oriented, in my experience that is. My meezer Max who's pic is my avatar on Alberta's board came from a breeder. I saw him at 6 weeks and then had to leave the country unexpectedly for several weeks for family stuff. When I came back and was able to pick him up, he was 16 weeks. The breeder had kept him in a cage out on her back porch with the rest of his litter and very little human interaction so he hadn't bonded to a human and it took me years to get him to really like people. I know some kitties don't take it like that but if you know this kitty has been handled by people and likes them, go for it.

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

Any younger and they're not weaned properly and MomKitty hasn't had the time to teach them the proper way to do things, like use the kitty box etc.

Nope, I won't take that risk. The kitty will have to stay alone for long stretches of time, and I think it's better when she's older and can go out, or entertain herself by doing other things. They live with humans, so human-orientation shouldn't be a problem. In fact, I'm hoping to visit them sometime soon to get better aquainted with them (and meet their mum, who's my preciouss *g*).

Gosh, I've kept a few kitties too, but it's never been *this* problematic. Here I am, all worried and anxious, and I'm not even sure if I'll actually keep one. Still, it's better to be prepared, no? *g*

My meezer Max who's pic is my avatar on Alberta's board came from a breeder.

*goes to check* Aww, he's so handsome! Give him a pat on the head (or a cuddle, if he doesn't mind) for me. *g*

Swatkat

Do whatever you like...

[mscyanide.livejournal.com]

but if you intended to include a review of my story, kindly restrict yourself to criticism - you sent me a praising e-mail and there's only so much niceness I can endure.

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

Why must you make things difficult for me? I said 'fangirly review', not criticism. *grumble*

Fine. I'll try, but I'm not sure I can cut out all the praise. :p

Swatkat

You needn't go to any trouble...

[mscyanide.livejournal.com]

I provided guidelines in case you intended to review it, not to pressure you into doing so. *g*

[delle.livejournal.com]

I'd be thrilled with any and all comments, and yeah, do it on LJ! It's quick and it's easy.

That conversation nudged me about some feedback I'd been meaning to write and hadn't. Thanks for a reminder!

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

I'd be thrilled with any and all comments, and yeah, do it on LJ! It's quick and it's easy.

Will do. I've never had the chance to send you any 'live' feedback yet, so I know I'll love talking about your earlier stories. *g* I might be slightly fangirly, but I'll try to sound as normal as possible.

Swatkat

Kittends and feedback and LJs, oh my!

[msgenevieve.livejournal.com]

Kittens: The other posters have already answered your question, so I'll just say "yeah, what they said." Six weeks at the *very* least, and eight-ten weeks is much better. The Spawn of Satan was five when he left his mother, and I can only tolerate his many neurotic/psychotic tendencies and wonder what might have been. *g*

Feedback: Yes. Please. Bring it on. Anywhere, anytime, anyplace. *g*

Cheers
Jen

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

Six weeks at the *very* least, and eight-ten weeks is much better.

Oh I can wait! I'm not in a hurry at all. Actually, the older the better, because kitty will have to stay alone all day, and I don't think it's healthy for a eight week old kitty to live like that. That said, I'm not even sure I'll actually be able to keep one of them. *g*

Feedback: Yes. Please. Bring it on. Anywhere, anytime, anyplace. *g*

Since the others said LJ, I'll stick LJ with you as well. And I might as well warn you, it may be slightly fangirly. *g*

Swatkat

P.S

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

The Spawn of Satan was five when he left his mother, and I can only tolerate his many neurotic/psychotic tendencies and wonder what might have been. *g*

I laugh out loud everytime you mention your neurotic black-and-white kitty. The only male cat I've ever kept (he currently lives with my aunt) is the sweetest, gentlest, humblest creature I've ever come across. He's also black-and-white. *g*

Swatkat

Feedback?

[nell65.livejournal.com]

Anytime, anywhere babe! Though lj is probably fine for ease of use, etc...

Kittens? The last kitten I adopted was a barn kitten. She may have been eight weeks old, though probably closer to six. She has been a wonderful, wonderful cat - and did learn to properly use a litter box practically all by herself.


She never did learn to meow though - despite living with one of the chattiest adult cats I've ever known (my roommate's).

Nell

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

Anytime, anywhere babe! Though lj is probably fine for ease of use, etc...

Good, LJ for you too. *g* I'll do my best sound as normal as possible.

She may have been eight weeks old, though probably closer to six. She has been a wonderful, wonderful cat - and did learn to properly use a litter box practically all by herself.

All by herself? Now that's truly wonderful. Most cats I know love to throw tantrums before they actually start using the damn thing. *g*

She never did learn to meow though - despite living with one of the chattiest adult cats I've ever known (my roommate's).

Do cats learn to meow from other cats? Or is it something they learn by themselves?

Swatkat

I'm with Jaybee...

[debbiebiv.livejournal.com]

I have NFI about kittens. I am a dog person actually - could never really get myself too attached to any cats. Although kittens are cute.

As for feedback - do what you feel compelled to do babe. As for myself, it's been so long since I have written anything I can't remember what praise feels like. LOL

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

I am a dog person actually - could never really get myself too attached to any cats. Although kittens are cute.

I'm both. *g* Given the opportunity, I'd keep ten cats and ten dogs. Although, at this point, I can't even have one. *sigh*

As for feedback - do what you feel compelled to do babe. As for myself, it's been so long since I have written anything I can't remember what praise feels like. LOL

Maybe praise will inspire you to write some more? *eg*

Swatkat