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Advice is cheap, but good advice is priceless. That's why we're proud to offer our very own advice column "Ask Lilly". Lilly is a semi-angry torty who listens to your problems and dispenses her own no-nonsense point of view from a cat's unique perspective.

Got a question? Just ask Lilly!


Dear Lilly,

I was wondering if Nathan pets you enough, and if you are happy at your home? If he is neglecting you, let me know and I will handle it.

Signed,
Ryan

 

DearRyan,

Thank you very much for your concern. Yes, Nathan is very kind and I'm very happy. Sometimes he leaves for long periods of time, which I don't like, but I put up with it.

For those of you not in the know, Nathan is my pet and I've had him for almost twelve years now. He's very dear to me.

Take care!

Lilly

Dear Lilly,

I have 3 loving beautiful black long-haired cats that need homes. Two males (neutered) and 1 female (spayed) I already have 4 and cannot keep these 3 due to disability. I need to find them loving homes. Won't take them to pound. Please help me.

Signed,
Helen

 

DearHelen,

I'm not sure where you live, but maybe you can foster the cats while they're looking for homes. Try talking to Animal Allies (or a rescue group local to you) and see if they'll allow you to list the cats with them while you care for them. They might be able to place them for you.

Best of luck!

Lilly

Dear Lilly,

I want a pet but my parents don't approve it. What do I do to convince them? Plus, a question about Animal Allies. How much do the shots for the pet cost?

Signed,
Jessica

 

DearJessica,

You should see why your parents don't want you to have a pet and find out where they're coming from. Maybe they don't believe you'd take care of your pet, in which case you can show them how responsible you'll be. Or maybe they have legitimate reasons, such as a baby or money. I suggest talking to them with an open mind and make sure each side understands the other.

As for shots, Animal Allies pays for the shots for all animals they foster - but they don't do shots for other animals.

Take care!

Lilly

Dear Lilly,

Why do cats purr?

Signed,
Anthony

 

DearAnthony,

Cats usually purr when they're content or happy, but they can also purr to help alleviate stress - such as when they're in labor.

Lilly

Dear Lilly,

Sometimes my cat's nose is warm, does this mean he has a fever?

Signed,
Alex

 

DearAlex,

Not necessarily - our noses are sometimes wet and cool or warm and dry throughout the day, but it's usually just changes in our internal temperature and not related to an illness. If your cat's nose is warm and dry for long periods of time and you notice cracking, or if there are other symptoms, then you might want to talk to your vet.

Hope this helps!

Lilly

Dear Lilly,

I adopted a dog from Animal Allies 6 years ago. I have since relocated to the Baltimore area and due to recent economic difficulties, I am have to temporarily move to a house that doesn't allow pets. Is there a program that provides temporary fostering to people in my situation? Tanner is a great companion and as part of the family and running buddy, I would hate to have to give him up. Please let me know.

Signed,
Gregory

 

DearGregory,

Sorry to hear about your recent problems.

I'm not sure of any programs like that, but you might want to check with your local Humane Society to see if they know of an organization that could help.

Best of luck!


Lilly

Dear Lilly,

I have five kittens that I have found and have nursed back to health. I already have two cats and my husband does want any more cats. And now, that they are healthy, I need to find them homes, it just doesn't seem like anyone wants them. They are the cutest and most affectionate kittens. I wish I could keep them. I dont know what to do. I dont want to take them to the shelter, after I have saved them. I am really worried and I am running out of time. Please, help.

Signed,
Dianne

 

DearDianne,

What area do you live in? There might be organizations that will help, and if you're willing to foster them, that will help the organization try to place them for you. If you're local to the Washington DC area, contact Animal Allies to see if they can do this arrangement for you. If not, try your local Humane Society - explain your situation and stress that you're willing to foster them, and ask for help.

Best of luck!

Lilly

Dear Lilly,

I was wondering how much a kitten is?

Signed,
Jake

 

DearJake,

Adoption fees vary - you might want to contact Animal Allies about a specific kitten you're interested in.

Lilly

Dear Lilly,

Looking for some help. A large colony of cats are on my husbands grandmothers farm. She has passed and we need help trapping and returning. Some have spoken of bringing them to a kill shelter and even about ways of getting rid of them the old fashioned way....I do not even want to think what that might be. I have 10 rescued dogs and helping a horse rescue with 15 horses. Please if there is anyone that can help me help these cats and kittens please contact me. there are approx. 45 cats.

Signed,
Lori

 

DearLori,

Hi Lori,

I would recommend contacting your local Humane Society for help - there may be an organization near by that could trap and relocate (and most importantly, spay) these cats.

Lilly

Dear Lilly,

I am fostering a beautiful calico and her georgeous 4 little kittens, under the umbrella of Animal Allies. I want to find them good homes (in about 6 weeks when they're weened). I have pictures of them that I think would make any cat lover swoon. Is there a place I can post them now in hopes of a future loving home?

Signed,
jackie

 

Dearjackie,

That's wonderful of you to do. Please email your photos to Judy at judy@animalallies.com, and she'll post them online.

Thanks!

Lilly


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Lilly is a syndicated columnist whose weekly advice column, Ask Lilly, appeared in more than 250 newspapers nationwide until the unfortunate lawsuit.