Cat owners - advice needed

[blue_roses_lib]

I have 2 babies, one a long haired Manx mix and one a domestic shorthair. I am in Alaska, and right now we are going through a cold dry spell. I noticed in the past couple of days that whenever I touch the shorthaired one, Shelby, I am getting zinged with static electricity. Is this dry fur and or dry scalp? What can I do to help with this? I've shocked the poor guy about a dozen times on the nose, top of the head, above the tail, etc... I feed dry food only, maybe add some wet to his diet for now? Is there oil or anything? This is new to me; I don't remember having this problem with him before. Maybe he's turning into a grumpy old man. :wink: Seriously, any advice would be appreciated.



And because the other boy gets jealous if I don't include him, here's a shot of him. His name is Tank~

[Kali]

1. discharge the static by touching a doorknob or something before petting the kittehs

you said it - dry conditions - you could try a room humidifier. while it won't actually help with the static build up do make sure they have enough water to drink. I wouldn't put oil or anything like that on them, but you could wring out a damp cloth really well and go over them with it.

the other alternative is to rub a whole bunch of inflated balloons on them and laugh your ass off:rofl:

[rrneck]

2. Okay, I can go to bed now. :) nt

[kentauros]

3. stick balloons to them and then sprinkle confetti around

:P

I nicknamed my cat Kipper van der Graaf during this last cold spell here (Houston) because I was getting shocked with every single pet of him! Plus, I would hear him getting shocked, too, but he never reacted badly to it, just me to the static ;)

[Kali]

4. ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuNND9KfXQk&feature=related

[MiddleFingerMom]

5. Thank you. I've never seen a cat with breast implants before.

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[blue_roses_lib]

6. Bwwwhahahahaha

That's a funny clip.

So I told the boys I was going to rub them with inflated balloons, and I got the "Oh yeah? Try it Bitch." look from the both of them. :shrug:


I agree it bugs me more than them tho. I do notice in the dry weather, I'm putting down fresh water 3-4 times a day vs 2 times (morning and evening).

[WolverineDG]

7. DO NOT TOUCH A DOOR KNOB

:wtf: Touch the wall instead. The door knob is made out of metal & you will get a big surprise.....

dg

[blue_roses_lib]

10. Agreed. Hurts like hell.

I'm noticing my own static issues in the weather, so bad that every time I go out my office door, I automatically get shocked on the metal door frame. Today, I actually saw the blue spark of electricity.

[WolverineDG]

8. Get your hands slightly damp before you pet him

or brush him gently with a damp brush. low humidity causes static electricity.

dg

[blue_roses_lib]

9. Thanks for the tip

:hi: I tried the damp hands and that worked!!

[WolverineDG]

11. Works when brushing your hair too

just run the brush under the water a bit, shake some of it off, then run through your hair. try touching the wall in your office before you touch the door knob.

:hi:

dg

[barb162]

13. Excellent idea, that works!!! Also putting on the humidifier.n/t

[GoCubsGo]

12. Enjoy a game of "sparkle kitty"!

My cats usually sleep with me. Between the blankets and the cats, the static electricity in the winter is high enough to put on quite a light show when I pet them. It's the closest I get to having the auroras down here. :-)

Tank looks just like my cat niece. As for Shelby's static problem, the other folks' suggestions about a wipedown with a damp cloth, and discharging/grounding are all good. I don't know if adding some fish oil to their diets would help the problem, but I am sure they'd love it, and it would definitely give a shine to their coats. Since you are in Alaska, I am sure salmon is easy to come by. A little of that, or some canned food would most likely be appreciated.

[TrogL]

14. Hook it up to generator

[stuntcat]

15. beauties!

:loveya: :loveya:

^^ all what they said is good :D just had to comment.

[blue_roses_lib]

16. more pics

cuz I like to post cat pics






Mom's babies :loveya: :loveya:

Both are about 9 years old this year. I took them when my ex roommate drove out of state and couldn't afford the bill to get them travel ready. That was a little over 4 years ago. Tank is from a pet store, Shelby from a shelter. Two different personalities, but both are extremely affectionate.

[stuntcat]

18. always..

ALWAYS it's a good time to post critter pics!!

My two are about 10 years old now, they still run around acting like kittens sometimes :loveya: :loveya:

[blue_roses_lib]

17. more pics

Duplicate.

[Withywindle]

19. Dry air affects us all in the winter.

I would suggest getting a humidifier. (Cheap basic one that does the job is like $30). Better for your skin too.

For the kitties especially, I would advise getting Omega-3 fish oil from the vet or pet supply store and adding it to their food. It really does do wonders for their skin and coat (and lessens dander, if you have allergic people around).

[stuntcat]

20. ooo ty

I'll check the Omega-3 out, I mean see if I can get some! I shocked the heck out of one of my cats the other day.

[Liberal_in_LA]

21. I shock my cats when the weather gets dry. Turn off the lights... you see the sparks! lol

[DeepBlueC]

22. get a humidifier for your house

I have to use one myself for that reason.