Cats and T.U.T.S. Syndrome

I must confess that I am a "Yahoo Answers" addict. A site where folks can ask questions about their favorite topics and interact with some pretty knowledgeable folks Yahoo answers provides some excellent resources. I enjoy answering questions and helping folks with their cats. As it is a two-way street, I also get some excellent ideas from the well informed cat people who make the time to share their knowledge and support. You can visit the site at http://answers.yahoo.com/

The other day I ran across an item about an interesting feline condition with which I am sure you cat people out here have had experience. But what I did not know is that some feline devotees are suggesting their veterinarians add it to the Veterinarian's DSM diagnostic code as T.U.T.S. 0008. I highly suggest that veterinarians should also be educating clients about this frequently occurring condition more commonly is known as Toys Under the Stove.

Of course as an avid cat lover, my interest was piqued when I discovered a lively discussion occurring on Yahoo Answers, started by Kia, a cat lover who was at the end of her rope. She needed immediate help to deal with her problem. I had to jump in! Once I read the question I was laughing so hard my cats started peering around the doorway at me as if I had lost my mind.

So now that we have identified exactly what is T.U.T.S.syndrome, our next step is to identify the best ways to handle it and prevent it from happening. Since it is so very common with folks who keep cats, I am sure that if we put our heads together we may come up with some excellent suggestions

Kia poignantly shared, "After looking under the stove, I found enough catnip mice to start a colony, and was unable to retrieve them". She continued to elaborate on the problem as she expounded upon other varieties of T.U.T.S. "Very similar to toys under the fridge, (T.U.T.F.S.), is much more dangerous than toys under the couch, (T.U.T.C.S.)". My heart sank and went out to her as she asked for suggestions how to "block the influx of furry mice sliding underneath the stove". This was crucial to her as she rents her home and cannot replace the stove with a less vulnerable bottom.

After diligently "googling" for hours, researching about the syndrome to provide some intelligent and easy suggestions to solve the nightmare of T.U.T.S, let me share my slightly edited version of my answer to Kia.

"This is a serious condition which requires immediate attention! It was wonderful of you to give a "diagnosis" of this common behavior which has been plaguing cat people since the dawn of the history of cat keeping. It was great that you once and for all gave it a name so others can gain from your experience.

This being said, I do however think that the syndrome is incurable. You might try using some fine mesh screening obtainable from your local hardware store and attach it to your stove bottom so the little furry mice toys cannot gain access. But trust me, after being frustrated in the attempt to hide their stash in a safe place; your cats will more than likely start a collection under your fridge, as they instantly progress to T.U.T.F.S.

Happily, this cloud has a silver lining. When you move you will find a treasure trove of toys which you can recycle which once again can be then hidden in your new residence. But do check for missing items; one of our cats purrloins my husband's watch on a regular basis. They are such talented little thieves. I do hope my suggestion works and good luck to you. I totally empathize with your frustration. "

What experiences do you have with these common syndromes, and what has worked to prevent them? Please share your ideas by leaving a comment.