My bathtub is perpetually clogged. It is also Sir Hal’s favorite place to play. I have no doubt the two are connected.
After my shower, I pour the Drano in as usual and escort the cat out with me. We go on with our respective days – Sir Hal, to impotently hunt birds on the other side of the glass window and I, to work. The next thing I know, I look up from my computer and he’s gone.
Oh, shit!
I race into the bathroom and there and he is – sitting in the tub in a slimy trail of Drano residue, peering into the drain, one paw poised to tap at the bubble of green goo.
I quietly freak out.
I’m suddenly terrified. I’m worried he’ll lick it off his paws or get it in his eyes and he’ll blame me for the rest of his life because he’s blind or unable to distinguish salty from sweet and my god I’m a horrible wretch for ruining his delicate palate. Is this wine too oaky? Now he will never know!
I have ruined the cat!
So, I get a washcloth, get it all soapy and wet and then proceed to hunt him down. He’s figured out that I want to do something uncomfortable so as he squirms and writhes, I clutch him to me and scrub his paws and tail and any other kitten part that might have touched the chemicals.
Now, every few minutes, in a fit of paranoia, I have to pick him up and smell his paws just to be sure he won’t have to give up his dreams of becoming a sommelier.
I am an unfit mother.
AWWWW, I can imagine how scared you must have been.
Don’t worry about being an unfit mother. We all are. We are all Britney Spear’s in disguise. Things happen no matter how safe or child/kitty proof your house is. Your a good “mommy” to Sir Hal.
*Oh and while we are on household dangers for pets/kids, I got an e-mail yesterday saying that the Swiffer Wet Jet cleaner is poisonous to pets. There have been a few cases of pet deaths because they get the cleaner on their paws and lick it and it gets on their toys and stuff. Just wanted to let you know just to be safe
If the cat likes playing in the tub, consider getting a small stopper that fits into the drain (not the wide, jar-opener size that just blocks it). The idea is that you could press the stopper into the drain when not showering. A snug enough fit should ensure that the cat can’t pull it out.
Then you can brush cat hair out of the tub with a damp paper towel. You might also use one of those hair-catching filters when showering to catch your own hair as well as any left by the cat.
Do you pour Drano in often? It can deteriorate the pipes if used excessively. Try a milder approach — if your tub drains slowly, first try boiling water (to dissolve soap and grease).
Next step up is 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain (brush it past the opening) followed by 1/2 cup or so of plain vinegar. This causes a bubbling reaction. Cover the drain and let this work, then flush out with hot water. You’ll be surprised how well this can work, though you may need to repeat it a few times if there’s a longstanding clog
Try plunging the tub. My BIL is a plumber and he tells me that’s what I should do. That the Draino ruins the pipes…who knew…plus the fact that I have old pipes and a new bathroom…ugh…the drama of being a homeowner…
Good luck with that – I hate a clogged tub or clogged anything for that matter.
Back again — to clarify that I was suggesting, not criticizing.
Plunger works, too, but use a damp rag to close the overflow drain (you get better pressure from the plunger that way).
If you’re adventurous or have a home-handy friend, you can try the advice under “Clear Any Clogged Drain” at ThisOldHouse dot com, including the fearsome-sounding cable augur (a heavy wire gizmo you thread down the drain and then turn with a crank, to break up glop and retrieve hair and gunk).
It’s messy but can make a big difference, as well as build your own confidence in your ability to cope with this. And, no more slow drain.
(Drano doesn’t ruin pipes immediately, but when you said “after my shower, I pour the Drano in as usual,” it sounded like nearly an everyday thing — too much Drano.)
Drano is very vile stuff. Think of all that poison you are pouring into the ocean and rivers. I would be happy to ah .. er .. come over and auger your pipes
-gregg
The advice you’ve already been given is good stuff — drano is not a good thing to put down your pipes often, or ever if they’re old. If you know someone who is handy definately have them snake it out (that’s the wire you put down the drain). You could also call a plumber and see how much it would call you to have them do it.
I definatley know the annoyances of a backed up shower though — I’m currently waiting on my dad to come snake mine out so I don’t have to shower in 3 inches of standing water.
Maybe Just Some Guy is single…? He reads girl blogs AND knows what a cable augur is. That’s hot.
You’re not a bad cat mommy. Sir Hal is simply a cat who laughs derisively at such feeble human tricks as “don’t let the pets poison themselves.” And derisive laughter is quite appropriate in a future sommilier.
You’re not a bad cat mommy. Being a bad pet mommy is giving your dog Advil for pain and then watching the poor thing throw up for eight hours.
I’m sure Sir Hal will go on to a very successful career as a vinophile. Kids and pets, they’re quite resilient.
Oh, you’re not a bad mommy at all. I can relate to your concern, though. The only thing that keeps my cat from showering with me is the time he ate some shampoo and found out how bad that tastes. Instead, while I’m in the shower he sits in the sink, removes the stopper, and pulls gunk out of the drain with his paw. I don’t even need Drano!
My cats follow me and lick the counters after I use those lemon scented clorox wipe things. Freak me out every time. If it was truly toxic, I have to assume they would not lick it.
Aww silly Hal! I would also freak out. That’s why I lock my cat out of the bathroom until I’m done. Or lock her in another room.
And about the Swiffer, didn’t know that, but I knew that there was a good reason I was running around after my kitty trying to wipe off her paws with a wet cloth if she walked over my freshly swiffered floors! Cat mommy (or mommy cat) intuition at it’s best.
Your readers seem to have an inordinate amount of knowledge regarding plumbing. Who knew?
Oh no! That IS terrifying! I’m sure he’s ok. Sure!
You may have done the cat a favor by dashing his dreams of being a sommelier. It’s not the most realistic of dreams and this way he can blame you rather tan feel like a failure… just saying.
Oh and another thing. My cat LOVES it when I wipe down my table with my dishwashing sponge saturated with a soap/water mixture. She gets on, starts licking and generally getting high on the table, rolling around. It’s like catnip for her
Just as an FYI yo everyone, the Swiffer thing is not true. Just another myth. Check it out:
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/swiffer.asp
You are not an unfit mother Fish, kitties just have a way or becoming invisible so they can sneak around.
that was a great post. it reminded me of me and my kids (anxiety included, ha ha).
Meredith said, “If it was truly toxic, I have to assume they would not lick it.”
Oh, please be ever so careful! There’s a little thing called anti-freeze that tastes oh sweet and yummy to our pet children, and then, before you know it, they’re, uhm, poisoned. Same goes for a number of plants. So, if it’s not meant to be eaten or ingested in some other fashion, please, please, please clean it up or otherwise keep your pets away from it!
Fish – I know your fear…and I know the wiggling, squirming animal that seems to be insisting that really, it’s not so bad if I leave paint on his paws and let him eat it later. You’re a perfectly wonderful “cat mommy”!
one night i watched in absolute horror as my puppy ate a tree frog. however, when i called the emergency vet line in hysterics, the guy on the other end laughed at me and said if the dog started vomiting blood, just bring him in, otherwise he’ll be fine. not only did i feel like an unfit mother, but my pride was significantly bruised as well.
Sir Hal will be fine. I know how terrifying that is. My sister and I live in an apartment together. We each have a small dog. Her’s is a mini weenie. She likes to explore cabinets. One day she chewed up roach killer that was under the kitchen sink. It didnt even phase her! We were ready to rush her to the hospital at first sight of abnormalities. I’ve come to realize animals are much more tolerant than humans are. Although Ive never chewed up roach killer…
Sorry about reporting “false” information. I just receieved an e-mail about it and it fit right in with your topic. Just thought it was better to be safe than sorry. Thanks Cuppie Cake.
You are not a bad mom and I know exactly how you feel! I have two cats – a year old in five days! – and they love to hang out in the tub…why is that? They’ll hang on the toilet or in the sink while I shower just waiting til that water cuts off and *dash* they’re in the tub liking the faucet dry – it’s hilarious! Or when I take a bubble bath, they’ll sit on the edge and paw at the bubbles then lick their soapy paws. I used to try to stop them but it’s no use, even when Mason fell in the tub and freaked out he always comes back for more! No worries about Sir Hal – he’s absolutely fine!
Thanks for all the plumbing tips/info – Just some guy sounds like a handy one to have around!
If it’s any consolation… Cats can’t taste sweetness. Something about the anatomy of their tongue.
But seriously. I’m sure he is fine. If the chemicals have burned him in any way, be it paws or tongue, he’d be frantically hoping or wiggling or something as to say, “Sh*t, this hurts!”
Fish,
Ahhh! Drano! My cats have no interest in drano what-so-ever but bleach on the other hand they love LOVE Frank rolls in it and peter sniffs it until he can’t handle it anymore and then he skats as fast as possible!
All’s well that ends well … except that if Sir Hal doesn’t stop drinking Busch, no one will take him seriously as a sommelier.
Cuz Busch? Is worse than Drano.
i know someone who uses spices (chili pepper, i believe) to stop cats from going in the garden. could you do something like that around the tub?
Fish. He’ll be cool.
Just keep an eye on him and if he starts acting weird do not delay, get him to the vet NOW. Just keep in mind this is an animal that if left to his own devices would eat the most repulsive of things.
You are not a bad Mom, and probably if he wanted to be sommelier, he would be doing it already, right? Probably he’s now dreaming of being a little kitty fighter pilot. Get those birds on the same level!
Believe me, I know your fear. I’ve been through it with my dog. More than once!
Sometimes I think our cats must be brothers from another mother. I had the exact same experience with my Timmy. He loves to pee in the bathtub especially when the litterbox is not immaculate enough for his liking. But I digress… one day I put Drano in to unclog and he also jumped into it and I spent a good couple hours freaking out about his livelihood.
Cats just like to do stupid things: My other cat Max, is down to approximately 6 or 7 lives with all the stunts he tries. The worst of which was jumping off my second story balcony into a bush while chasing a bug. I went inside to get something and next thing I know my neighbor from downstairs is at the door, Max in her arms.
Trust me: if you’re a bad mother, I’m in real trouble!!
I just love you, Miss Fish. It’s not just the content of your stories, but the way that you tell them. I purchased a book that was recently released (one that you posted a link to) and although I did enjoy it, I couldn’t help but compare it to your writing style and it came up short in comparison. I kept thinking to myself as I read the book that you would have said it a different way, that I would have “felt” it more from your words, that you are funnier, wittier, expressive in a way that draws people in. I hope someday to have the pleasure of immersing myself for hours in a book that you have written. Your gift is truly a gift to so many.
Barbara is sweet to say “Maybe Just Some Guy is single…? He reads girl blogs AND knows what a cable augur is. That’s hot.”
I am single, though old enough to be your father; not hot, though a certain someone finds me companionable.
(I know I don’t know your age, but the odds are on my side.)
I happened on this blog because, I swear, I was looking for a photo of a fish on a bicycle. Both daughters have their own blogs, and contribute to one I created just for my parents (93 and 88). They get confused by email but can read (and reread!) posts on this just-for-them blog.
I’m not much of a handyman, actually, but I believe in (a) demystifying and (b) not belittling people. I wasn’t born knowing how to unclog drains, either.
(Boiling water is your friend. Boil it in a big dutch oven, pour into a pail for safe carrying, then dump slowly from pail into the drain.)
Oh, how I feel your pain.
I used to have a permanently clogged tub as well. We tried EVERYTHING to try and fix it, but nothing worked. Ugh.
Eventually, we just called a plumber. It ended up being the smartest thing I ever did.
Liquid Plumr power blast or whatever…the air-in-a-can. Not only is it effective, but also entertaining.
Both of my pets have sampled many things and lived to tell the tails!
You are a good mom!!!
Get a shop vac, and stuck the stuff out of the drain! Works like a charm!!
Fish, don’t fret. My brother can probably get him a desk job with E.J. Gallo, so he can at least stay in the wine industry. P.S. you might have to move to Detroit.
Poor thing.
ah… Fish. Welcome to mommyhood! As a recovering perfectionist with obsessive compulsive tendencies, I can tell you there is always something to worry about! Fortunately, my daughters are mostly grown now, and I can relax a little. There’s always a part of the brain that worries about them, or listens for them in the other room. Worrying about immediate dangers as well as worst-case scenarios. I didn’t think I had much of an imagination until I started the ‘what if’ game with my children. I remind myself that I survived eating dirt and fighting with my sisters and all the rest. Kids and animals are resilient. We do the best we can and try to be kind to ourselves. Let yourself off the hook. You are a wonderful cat mommy.
I am seriously in love with you.
You’re not a bad mom but I know how you feel. I almost let the ants get my baby niece. At least now I know the danger of putting the carseat on the ground. You know what they say, knowing is half the battle.
poor kitty. I did something similar with my dog. My dog used to drink out of the toilet. poor kitty. I did something similar with my dog. My dog used to drink out of the toilet.
I have to say, I’m hooked. in some ways, its like a guilty pleasure. I seem to tune in every couple days to learn of some event that has altered the course of your day, in some fashion or another.
I love the way you write.
thank you
Once I told my cousin, I have to hang up now-Annie just hopped on the table and she has primer on her head.
Another fun sink bath leaving me scars.
Your blog kicks ass. It’s comforting like a Janet Evanovich novel. I wish you happiness and contentmnet. If you ever want to chat with an Irish guy struggling with life in Japan, let me know.
Just Some Guy, you rock! Thanks, I tried your solution of baking soda and vinegar, works like a charm!!
hey on the plus side cats can’t taste sweet things, so you can damn god and not yourself
Why do they tinkle in the tub? WHY?
Sue:
You’re welcome. You can even toss a little table salt — say, a tablespoon of salt per half-cup of baking soda. Mix ‘em up, drop down the drain, follow with the vinegar. When the fizzing starts (reaction between the vinegar and the baking soda), the salt gently scrubs. In fact, there’s salt in Drano for the same reason.
My stupid cat did the exact same thing this weekend, only it was the liquid foaming snake pipe cleaner. If cats are so afraid of the water, why the hell do they live in the bathtub??
My stupid cat did the exact same thing this weekend, only it was the liquid foaming snake pipe cleaner. If cats are so afraid of the water, why the hell do they live in the bathtub??
That Swiffer thing is a hoax.