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.
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Comments (6)
Andy January 3, 2009 7:30 PM
I also have the TUTS syndrome and have searched for an answer. While reading your comments, a thought came to mind. Not sure if this will stop them all, but those door mice....the long ones filled with rice or tiny rocks to stop drafts. It would work for me as my cats play floor hockey and end up loosing to my fridge. I might just give it a try and see if I can't save a mouse/puck.
Andy ;)
Janis January 3, 2009 8:12 PM
I have to admit my cat of only 3 months or so has already gotten quite a few toys in her toy box and laying around. I can't quit buying things for her. This is the best cat I have ever had.
Donna January 3, 2009 8:15 PM
LOL I guess my approach is a little more hard hearted. They put the toys under the stove or frig, and there they stay. When they want them back they look at me forlornly and then look under the culprit appliance until I get out the yardstick and retrieve them. Until next time. LOL!
Amy January 4, 2009 6:54 AM
Hum, I have one really simple solution that I use here in my home. I take a 3 foot flat measuring stick and slide it under the stove, cabinet, or where ever these toys might be stuck. You would be amazed at how well this works.
J.A. Morrison January 4, 2009 10:24 AM
Oh my goodness!! This has a name and it is rampant in my home. We have a great cure though. We use a yard stick or a long wooden dowel to sweep under the stove, frig, couch, bed, dresser and china cabinet. Imagine my surprise as I swept under the china cabinet and found one of the cats under there too with the toys. I never imagined her rather LARGE bottom would fit under that tiny space. We also found pencils, a watch, and other purloined items. Now I know why I could here a watch alarm each night but couldn't trace it to it's source.
Thank you for finally putting a name to this syndrome. I will also inform our vet about it. Thanks So Much. >^.,.^
Rani January 6, 2009 6:28 PM
Never have that problem with kitty-toys at all, but I can identify it with my son and his little Micro-Machines getting under the stove and fridge. Especially the Back to the Future micro-cars. Move the appliances and he got all new toys!
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