On Mon, 13 Nov 2017 12:54:39 +0000, Rob Morley
wrote:

On Mon, 13 Nov 2017 00:14:27 +0000
T i m wrote:

On Sat, 11 Nov 2017 18:22:14 +0000, Rob Morley
wrote:

I just catch them in my hand to put them out.

Oh ... and never been stung Rob?

The only time I've had a wasp sting was when I nearly inhaled a wasp
while out cycling.

I've had them bounce off my face whilst cycling and one inside my
motorcycle crash helmet and got away with it. ;-(

It didn't have much effect after the initial
startlement, possibly because being on my lip it was easy to suck the
poison out. (???)

Neat (sorta). ;-(

One doesn't own a cat.

According to the law (as least) you do ... (sometimes) ... especially
if I deprive someone of it etc. ;-(

But the cat would consider you its designated care giver, as opposed to
a dog who thinks you're the pack leader and boss.

I was thinking more of the Law and the 'previous care giver', unless
you think the law is wrong regarding cats (and I think it is)?

We have one that has adopted us - he's supposed
to live next door but apparently our house is better, although he's a
strange grumpy beast.

Aren't they all? weg

Cats come in a wide spectrum of personality types, from chilled to
excitable, those that enjoy human attention and those that don't,
scavengers and hunters ...

Sure ... however ... as 'companion animals' ... any that bite or
scratch for no 'justifiable reason' (given it is a companion animal
etc) need some personality re-adjustment. ;-)

snip

Rabbits are very hormone-driven - neutering not only calms them down

That did seem to be the case with her first two (the third was already
done, as was this recent one via the RSPCA).

but also massively reduces the occurrence of some cancers to which
they are otherwise very susceptible.

That's good then.

not properly
cared for in captivity) they don't usually live more than three years.

OK. So the one that just died they believe was around 10 years old so
is that even possible? (or is it like the school hamster). ;-)

It when you see how far they can throw something, or what they can
lift or bite though do you realise how gentle they are generally being
with us!

I've known quite a few rabbits too.

Ok ...

females tend to be stroppy and
territorial,

We have seen some of that with the 3 females so far ...

the males (once neutered) are pretty chilled.

That seems to fit as well (but we have only had one so couldn't really
tell etc).

They seem
to be happiest kept in a M/F pair, although we've had "extra" males
accepted after careful introduction.

So would you say that was more difficult than MFF Rob?

Their teeth are like little
chisels, they will easily puncture skin

It's funny ... three of them (so far) will take a small treat off you
very carefully, even if you hold it so very little of the treat is
exposed. The other thing (that looks like a small, white hare) feels
like it will take the treat *and* you finger if you aren't careful!
;-)

and can be used as a slashing
weapon too,

That might account for the tattered ear end then. ;-(

they have big claws,

I have helped daughter trim some and their lower hutch is on crazy
paving in the hope that will help keep their nails down?

pack a hefty kick

Yes, I've felt that and heard it as their warning .

and can flick wee in
your face. :-)

Ah, luckily not had that yet. ;-)

... Unlike cats, that will scratch or bite you, even when you are
being nice to them. ;-(

The neighbour's cat will attack you after seeking attention, then look
confused as if he doesn't know why he did it

Quite ... absolutely typical from my POV.

- I've found the best
approach is to not try to get away, then he doesn't bite or scratch as
hard,

I've gone further with nipping puppies by actually sticking my fingers
into their mouth and they soon get the message. ;-)

stops quicker and you can carry on fussing him.

I'd rather not bother after that. We were in a neighbours the other
day and she had a youngish cat (that I think she was regretting
getting) and it started rubbing itself up against my leg and hand. So
I stroked it and it started 'playing' but with claws and teeth. The
neighbour apologised and took it off me (I wasn't bothered as I am
much bigger and stronger than it weg) and it was all claws and teeth
with her too. ;-(

Possibly the
strangest cat I've ever known - a vet thinks he may have been
oxygen-deprived at birth.

I think they all are (or should be for longer ... using a sack and a
river) weg [1]

Cheers, T i m

[1] Only joking, there are more humane ways of doing it ...