"Service" cats?

[serendipity1499]

Have to admit, I thought Toad was pulling our leg again...Sorry E...But have just read the WEB site discussing the various Service animals..Very interesting..

 

Yeah - DH and I are kind of upset that HAL is making us bring him *everywhere* on the ship with us. We're kind of hoping that we can work something out so we can avoid bringing him into the MDR. It's really not fair to the other guests, and I'm certain the Maitre'D doesn't want him in the dining room if he can avoid it.

 

I mean, the lounge, the pool, the casino, even the Lido, whatever, but please let us keep him out of the MDR. He's a trained animal. He's not going to freak out if we leave him alone in our cabin for 20 minutes to go eat.

 

DH says that if it comes to it, we'll just eat dinner in the room (which he doesn't have a problem with, since he can order 5 entrees if he feels like and no one will say a word) and then wander out for pictures, etc, the show, etc.

 

Oh other cruise lines, you can leave them crated (which the cat won't like either) if you have to leave them alone. Or you can find someone to babysit them.

 

But anyway, that's a rant that has nothing to do with this thread. Point is - he's a valid service animal, not a pet, and he's trained, and wherever we go with him he does much for service animal awareness and Bengal relations. People always want to pet him, and he generally obliges.

Heatherel, I'm not questioning the fact that your cat is a Service Animal, however I'm curious about Hal's rule about your cat being with you at all times..

What will you do with your cat if a Port refuses to allow you entry with your animal..It's my understanding that the ADA Act only applies to the United States...Understand most Cruise Lines also must follow it but wonder if all other Countries do..

If HAL states you are not permitted to leave him in your cabin are you required to get a Baby Sitter for him in ports which might refuse him entry in order to take your sightseeing trips?

 

I'm curious. Just what service does this animal provide?

 

Actually according to the ADA' date=' a U.S. business is not permitted to question what service the animal performs, if the person has certified that it is a service animal.. A Business can't even ask for proof according to the ADA..[/size']

 

Betty

[wander]

Service animals can provide wonderful, lifesaving purposes for many types of diseases and disorders. Then there are the folks who just don't want to leave Fluffy or Fido at home and take advantage of the regulations that preclude asking for documentation that the animal is a certified service animal. This I think is very unfair to people with legitimate Service Animals.

 

I personally do wish there were some sort of uniform certification process to document both animal training and legitimacy as a service animal. There would be NO need to say what the person's reasons are for needing the service animal nor any specifics about what the animal is trained to do. It would simply document that the animal is a trained Service Animal.

 

Through my career I have been around many sorts of Service Animals, almost all dogs, and without exception they have been good around people - meaning no snarling, growling, barking, biting. Others are also not allowed to pet them while they are on duty.

 

Now through a volunteer activity I participate in, I work at events with hundreds of people milling around, looking at displays, etc. Some people enter with an alleged Service Animal that snarls, snaps, barks. Without some documentation requirements, what can one do? So far nothing serious has occurred, but what if someone were bit? I hope we never have to find out.

[7toEleven]

Yeah - DH and I are kind of upset that HAL is making us bring him *everywhere* on the ship with us. We're kind of hoping that we can work something out so we can avoid bringing him into the MDR. It's really not fair to the other guests, and I'm certain the Maitre'D doesn't want him in the dining room if he can avoid it.

 

I mean, the lounge, the pool, the casino, even the Lido, whatever, but please let us keep him out of the MDR. He's a trained animal. He's not going to freak out if we leave him alone in our cabin for 20 minutes to go eat.

 

DH says that if it comes to it, we'll just eat dinner in the room (which he doesn't have a problem with, since he can order 5 entrees if he feels like and no one will say a word) and then wander out for pictures, etc, the show, etc.

 

Oh other cruise lines, you can leave them crated (which the cat won't like either) if you have to leave them alone. Or you can find someone to babysit them.

 

But anyway, that's a rant that has nothing to do with this thread. Point is - he's a valid service animal, not a pet, and he's trained, and wherever we go with him he does much for service animal awareness and Bengal relations. People always want to pet him, and he generally obliges.

 

 

I would be really concerned about leaving any service animal uncrated when I wasn't in the room. Think of when the steward goes in, they leave the door open, will they forget to close the door when they are in the room, will they forget to only service when you are there? I commend you on thinking of others who may have allergies!! Some people, of which are very serious issues. You may be able to work this out,l you may have to eat in your room. But, you are awesome for your pre-thinking of this issues. I wish you a wonderful cruise!!!

[SarasMommy]

We use a cpap mask which is easily brought and used anywhere.

 

My mother has sleep apnea. Using a cpap mask unfortunately would not work for her; it brings her bad memories from during WWII when they practised drills in her classroom where they had to crouch under their desks during air raid sirens and put on masks. She cannot stand anything over her face when she sleeps, and this became painfully apparent following her hip surgery in December after which DH and I spent the entire night trying to keep her oxygen mask on her face while she was thrashing around trying to remove it. You would be amazed the strength a 78-year-old frail widow has under the influence of anesthesia!

[heathriel]

HAL guidelines are that it's up to the owner to make sure our animal is cleared with each port, and if not, we can't leave him unattended.

 

We don't live in the US, and we're aware of port requirements for our animal. He's got all the required documentation, shots, etc.

 

The key to everything is he cannot be left unattended at any time during our time on the ship.

 

While he doesn't like being crated, if they consider that "attended", that might be an answer to the MDR dilemma. We will *not* leave the ship without him. We have no problem being everywhere *else* on the ship with him, but we just don't think people would appreciate a cat under the table while they're eating.

[serendipity1499]

HAL guidelines are that it's up to the owner to make sure our animal is cleared with each port, and if not, we can't leave him unattended.

 

We don't live in the US, and we're aware of port requirements for our animal. He's got all the required documentation, shots, etc.

 

The key to everything is he cannot be left unattended at any time during our time on the ship.

 

While he doesn't like being crated, if they consider that "attended", that might be an answer to the MDR dilemma. We will *not* leave the ship without him. We have no problem being everywhere *else* on the ship with him, but we just don't think people would appreciate a cat under the table while they're eating.

 

Understand...Most cats hate being crated, but wonder if giving him a sedative in the a.m. would calm him down enough to be comfortable in a crate, while you are out having your meals..Maybe your Vet could give you something just to calm him without hurting him, so that he is alert, when you need him for help..

It would never bother me to have a cat under the table, I had three before I married DH, but can't have any now due to his allergies.. If I had to crate them just to go to the vet, they would howl as if they were being killed..

When DH visits friends, with two cats, we must be sure that he takes an anti-histamine an hour before, or his throat will close up & his eyes itch & tear...As it is he can't stay in their house very long..So, do understand your concern about those who would be uncomfortable with him under the table..

Hope you find a solution..

Betty

[heathriel]

Maybe you should try a Bengal - they're hypo-allergenic, and superr sweet and intelligent, and unfortunately because they are a LOT of work during their first year, a lot of them end up in shelters.

 

But they are really lovely cats.

 

When people get them as a kitten though, they have to get past the:

 

2-8 Weeks: NOXIOUS excretions (eye watering variety)

4-20 Weeks: Ankle Biting (not teething)

5-10 Weeks: Pouncing at inappropriate times

2-20 Weeks: Loud noises every time they eat (or excrete) (although, when it stops, you kind of miss this one)

 

Once they lose the baby teeth, they don't bite as hard, and they don't bite your tender ankles anymore - you can get them to attack a toy or something during scheduled playtimes. And once they learn how to jump, the pouncing isn't as hard. Once they're not a baby anymore, their odor isn't as strong (it's still bad, but disperses quickly), and the noises go away entirely.

 

But they learn things, VERY quickly. You have to be very careful what you say and do around them. If you don't want them to go into a certain room, don't let them see how to open that door. And the training treat we use for ours is dried Shrimp (curiously enough, dog training treats don't work for cats ;) ), but I purposely always call it "Srimp" so he won't learn the word "Shrimp". His ears prick up when I say "Srimp", but I can cook all the "Shrimp" I want in peace. DH says I've given the cat a speech impediment.

 

So, anyway, if you want a dander-free, fiercely loyal, trainable, very dog-like cat, check your local shelter or animal rescue for a Bengal. :) (A LOT of the ones in shelters are purebred.)

[Parrot57]

Not all cpap's are masks. A lot of them are simply plugs that rest just outside or inside the nose with one tube hanging down in front of the chest. Nothing touches the face and no obstruction of vision.

[esther e]

This is the most fascinating thread I've read in a long time. I first thought it was a tongue-in-cheek and quickly realized it wasn't. I had no idea there were service cats -- and I'm am a cat lover!! This is amazing. You people on CC never cease to teach me something new! Thank you.:)

[serendipity1499]

Maybe you should try a Bengal - they're hypo-allergenic, and superr sweet and intelligent, and unfortunately because they are a LOT of work during their first year, a lot of them end up in shelters.

 

But they are really lovely cats.

 

When people get them as a kitten though, they have to get past the:

 

2-8 Weeks: NOXIOUS excretions (eye watering variety)

4-20 Weeks: Ankle Biting (not teething)

5-10 Weeks: Pouncing at inappropriate times

2-20 Weeks: Loud noises every time they eat (or excrete) (although, when it stops, you kind of miss this one)

 

Once they lose the baby teeth, they don't bite as hard, and they don't bite your tender ankles anymore - you can get them to attack a toy or something during scheduled playtimes. And once they learn how to jump, the pouncing isn't as hard. Once they're not a baby anymore, their odor isn't as strong (it's still bad, but disperses quickly), and the noises go away entirely.

 

But they learn things, VERY quickly. You have to be very careful what you say and do around them. If you don't want them to go into a certain room, don't let them see how to open that door. And the training treat we use for ours is dried Shrimp (curiously enough, dog training treats don't work for cats ;) ), but I purposely always call it "Srimp" so he won't learn the word "Shrimp". His ears prick up when I say "Srimp", but I can cook all the "Shrimp" I want in peace. DH says I've given the cat a speech impediment.

 

So, anyway, if you want a dander-free, fiercely loyal, trainable, very dog-like cat, check your local shelter or animal rescue for a Bengal. :) (A LOT of the ones in shelters are purebred.)

 

Thanks, but we have a wonderful little wire=haired dachshund "Brandy", which is purr=fect for us plus a large (plate sized) 4 yr old red=eared slider turtle "Yurtle" & honestly don't need any more animals right now..LOL

Would love to see a picture of your cat though..

Enjoy your cruise..Betty

[ginger and professor]

my neighbor has a wonderful shetland pony and it seems to enjoy pulling a small cart with the children. If we added a vest might this be considered an equine service partner??? Not sure of HAL horse policies or if hay is available.

[VermeulT]

This is the most fascinating thread I've read in a long time. I first thought it was a tongue-in-cheek and quickly realized it wasn't. I had no idea there were service cats -- and I'm am a cat lover!! This is amazing. You people on CC never cease to teach me something new! Thank you.:)

Ditto. Interesting!

[jcrandle]

Have to admit, I thought Toad was pulling our leg again...Sorry E...But have just read the WEB site discussing the various Service animals..Very interesting..

 

Betty

What, Toad pulling our leg? Surely you jest!:D

[Toad]

What, Toad pulling our leg? Surely you jest!:D

 

Not "pulling your leg" this time. It all seems to be true. Go figure.

[fann1sh]

Another "invisible disability" is epilepsy.

 

An amazing variety of species - dogs, cats, even snakes - are able to help predict seizures. For many, this "service" is an innate ability, although animals are also trained to assist (like one dog who lies on top of his master during seizures, and otherwise makes sure no harm comes to him).

 

Not all epilepsy seizures are the "thrashing" (grand mal) variety. More common are "absences" (petit mal) which are more like a faint. Sadly, this medical condition is still stigmatized and feared.

 

The ability of animals to predict an attack makes it possible for people not controlled by meds to live a much more normal life.

 

I wish epilepsy service animals had been around in the early 90's. It might have saved the life of a friend, who suffocated in his own bed.

[rbyrd2531]

Our Bengal cat is two years old, and I purchased her for Steve several months after he lost his elderly cat at the age of 15.

 

I wanted a breed that was intelligent and could hold mer own against my huskies....

 

Wow does she fit the description!

 

Extremely intelligent, I can see why they will make great service animals. She loves the water and gets in the shower with you. She taught herself to retrieve her toys and will play that game as long as you put up with it.

And she loves wrestling with the Huskies and they love her.

[Milaandra]

It's a shame that HAL can't contact your tablemates in advance to check. Personally, I would have no problem with a cat under the table...with four of my own, I'm used to it. (Cats ON the table during meals get a stern talking to.) In fact, I would volunteer to sit at the table with the cat under it.

 

For non-cat-friendly excursions, have you considered a short boarding at a local vet or groomers? Your Bengal could get a shampoo and a pedicure while you ride the horses.

[heathriel]

Ireally do appreciate all the comments this has raised. While we do get a lot of attention whenever we're in public with him (which is generally only when we're traveling, because he has no need to accompany me otherwise), not once has he gotten the "How dare you bring a cat here!" kind of reaction they get from people on airplanes, etc. I guess seeing one on a leash kind of throws you off, and Bengals just look very "other."

 

The first question we generally get is "Is that a Lion?!" to which we respond "No, he's a little Leopard." The next question we get is "Will he eat me if I pet him?" And, based on his reaction to that person, we say either "Go ahead!" or "Better not." ;)

 

(We live in Mexico, so this generally takes place in Spanish, and "Leopardito" is the closest thing to "Bengal".)

[serendipity1499]

Our Bengal cat is two years old, and I purchased her for Steve several months after he lost his elderly cat at the age of 15.

 

I wanted a breed that was intelligent and could hold mer own against my huskies....

 

Wow does she fit the description!

 

Extremely intelligent, I can see why they will make great service animals. She loves the water and gets in the shower with you. She taught herself to retrieve her toys and will play that game as long as you put up with it.

And she loves wrestling with the Huskies and they love her.

 

What a pretty cat! I've looked at some of the Bengal WEB sites but can't seem to figure out their size..

Are Bengal's about the size of a domestic short hair tabby or are they larger like an Ocelot?

One of my cats was a Siamese & was very vocal..Are the Bengal's vocal?

As others have said, I'm intrigued by this thread..

Thanks Toad for posting it! And thanks Heatheriel for answering our questions..

Cheers..:)Betty

[heathriel]

Bengals can vary greatly in size. Some are no larger than a regular housecat, and others are HUGE.

 

They are very muscular.

 

Mine's 18 pounds, all muscle, and his "play" friend is a medium sized poodle (who is around the same size as him.)

 

They're also very vocal, with a rather intricate language of chirps, chatters, stutters, mewps, meows, etc. They're short and higher pitched, not the long, low pitched "yowls" of the Siamese.

 

You know you have a Bengal when you rhetorically ask your cat something, and it clearly answers "Nooooooooooooooo!!!!!!" and then you say "Yessssssssss!!" before you realize that you actually answered a cat.

[jcrandle]

Not "pulling your leg" this time. It all seems to be true. Go figure.

Yep, my daughter's favorite quote is "Truth is stranger than fiction, because fiction has to be believable!"

[rbyrd2531]

What a pretty cat! I've looked at some of the Bengal WEB sites but can't seem to figure out their size..

Are Bengal's about the size of a domestic short hair tabby or are they larger like an Ocelot?

One of my cats was a Siamese & was very vocal..Are the Bengal's vocal?

As others have said, I'm intrigued by this thread..

Thanks Toad for posting it! And thanks Heatheriel for answering our questions..

Cheers..:)Betty

 

I agree with heathriel...the size varies.. And that they are very vocal cats. The cat she replaced was a Siamese which was also vocal. But the Bengal noises are more unique and I dare say less obnoxious than the other cat was? Our female is small (I figure at two years she has reached full growth?)

, but even at the breeders facility, I saw none that were really larger than a large domestic breed. They are very long and sleek with a very soft coat.

 

She does recognize some words...and If I call in dinner to be delivered, she somehow knows the difference between that and speaking to a friend on the phone. She will immediately go wait by the front door until the delivery is here.

[wilsonqbc]

I have a Eygptian Mau, which chats chatters chips, all the time.

when it wants somthing, Understands quiet a bit of human vocabulary.

very dog like, follows, comes when called, retreives toys kind of amazes me sometimes. I would love a large Bengal or savannah, somewhere in the future I guess. they are truly beautifull with their rosette spots

[momatibm]

not to hijack the thread -- but I had two 'garage cats', both of them responded to us -- when the first one died the second one became the alpha cat. Most cats if socialized early will respond to direction -- and be very well behaved.

 

I am so glad to hear that there are cats that are recognized as 'service animals'

 

Glad to hear that.

[jbhcw]

What a great and informative thread:) Have always had cats....and just recently a Calico kitty was literally dropped off at our house...I think we must have a sign out front....cat friendly house:eek:

 

My other two kitties, an older tabby and her daughter who is a long haired black cat are what I would call normal kitties....but this Calico is unlike any cat I have ever owned. She follows me around, loves the bathub, likes to bite and chew, makes funny sounds, has a huge bushy tail like a fox and will drag a toy around as big as she is....and watches TV...

 

We have so enjoyed having her but our house is getting cat heavy:) hoping and prayer we have no more drop offs!!

 

Love the picture of the Bengal...what an elegant looking cat.