Category Cat Chat

November 2015: A Bad Month for the Funny Farm

Shawna 0 Comments Cara Mia

November 2015 has been a bad month for the Feline Funny Farm. In fact, the whole year has been awful for us! This time it is our longest resident who has gone OTRB.

About Allicat

Allicat had kidney stones. They were discovered on an x-ray in 2009. Mom took her to the vet at recommended intervals for blood work to monitor her kidney values. Other than some dental extractions and other occasional minor health issues, our Googlie Girl remained fairly stable and generally happy. Her kidney values had improved slightly in June, and she got her vaccines in October.

In mid-November, Mom noticed that Googlie’s appetite was not quite up to par, and she was pawing her mouth between bites of canned food. Back to the vet she went on November 18. There was no apparent problem in her mouth, but the vet suspected a possible problem at or below the gum line. The vet cleaned her ears, noting some bacteria, and prescribed ear drops. She also collected blood and urine samples.

Two days later, Mom got the test results: Googlie’s kidney values had dropped a bit more, which seemed encouraging. The vet suggested that Mom bring Googlie back in for an antibiotic injection because she was still pawing her mouth and might have an infection in the gums. Upon reexamining Googlie, the vet also proposed a dental x-ray and possible dentistry in about a month’s time…until she noticed that Googlie was breathing rather heavily (which Mom had occasionally noticed at home). A chest x-ray revealed serious problems: Googlie’s heart was quite enlarged (due to a tumor or congestive heart failure), and there was fluid around her lungs. It was like having a ticking time bomb inside; when it “went off,” the results would be truly horrible for Googlie. The vet recommended euthanasia (which was not common), and Mom agreed. She held Googlie Girl as she said goodbye. Googlie was the oldest kitty, and had been with Mom and Dad since December 1998.

About the Vet

When Mom took Allicat to the vet that day, she had no inkling that she would be bidding her goodbye. As it happened, her cell phone had no charge at the very moment she wanted to take some farewell photos. Dr. C. was so kind! She took some photos with her own phone and sent them to Mom.

Mom says “goodbye” to Googlie Girl.

Farewell, Friends! Hello, Patch!

Shawna 0 Comments C. P. Pirate

This will be my last post. Farewell, friends!

Yesterday Mom could tell I was not feeling well. I have been losing weight again and have not been very cheery. Sweet, chubby little Jou Jou B has been looking after me very well, but she could not work a magical cure for what ailed me.

Early in the evening, Dad told Mom I got sick to my stomach. Mom, who was ready for her first evening at home all week, got dressed again and took me to the dreaded vet. I expressed my disapproval all the way there. It did not help.

The vet examined me. I got x-rayed, poked (for blood tests and shots to make my stomach feel better), and scrubbed in my ears (the anti-thyroid cream tends to build up). I even had to provide some urine. Then Mom took me home. I made her feel less bad when I ate a bit.

This morning I just could not manage to eat. Nothing smelled good, although Mom even tried some Spot’s Stew. She called and left a message for the vet to call back with my test results. I could tell Mom was really worried about me. She even took a shower and got dressed to go out: very strange behavior for her on a Saturday.

Mom could tell by looking at me that I did not feel good.

The vet called Mom back this afternoon. I knew it would not be good news. Sure enough, I was put back in the carrier and taken to the vet again. Mom kept telling me what a good boy I was. I know she loves me. I also know I felt awful and just could not fight the thyroid problems and kidney problems, and possible heart problems any more. I was too tired.

Mom said goodbye and let me cross the Rainbow Bridge. I want you all to know that my best buddy, Patch the Pirate, and my other fursibs who had crossed before me were on the other side of the bridge, waiting to play with me. They wanted to know all about the rest of you who are left behind. I trust someday I will see you all again, in a place where there is no sickness or pain…just joy and gladness. Farewell!

Lazy Days Are Here Again

Shawna 0 Comments Allicat

I am glad to report that lazy days are here again. We have no company this weekend. Grandma is spending the afternoon with Aunt Melissa. Dad is where he ALWAYS is: sitting on his posterior and watching a DVD on his computer. It is absolutely silent except for the sounds of the dryer in the other room and the plunking of Mom on her keyboard, taking my dictation.

It is chilly today. For the first time in quite a while Mom has to turn the heat on. This only adds to the ambience. Cuddle season is on its way. The orange invader has joined us: Jolie, Jenise, and me. He is sampling our food at the moment, but will soon return to his nap.

I just love lazy days! I wish we had more of them.

Sorry, Charlie!

Shawna 0 Comments Gobblin' Goopuss

I am always happy to see Grandma’s cat, Charlie, come down to visit. He loses his lunch (or breakfast or supper) more often than I do. Sorry, Charlie!

Itchy Belly?

Charlie seems to be a really cool cat, but he must have some underlying “issues.” He barbers his stomach. Grandma finds tufts of black fur all over her house. He has been to the vet for analysis, but there seems to be no physical illness or other detectable cause. Of course, he develops huge furballs! Sorry, Charlie!

Charlie, Go Home!

After Mom has to clean up one of his (how shall I say it politely?) “outputs,” she is happy to send him home again. He seems to strike at the most inconvenient times. For instance, Mom finally gets home, settles in on her laptop, and starts to read her email. What’s that sound she hears? Oh, no! Either Charlie or I have been “up to no good,” and Mom has to get up to clean up. I am always relieved when it is not MY fault Mom is annoyed.

I’m Trying to Be Sorry, Charlie!

It’s time for Mom to send you home now. Poor boy!

I think I’ll just lie here until I feel better.

It’s Black Cat Appreciation Day

Shawna 0 Comments Gobblin' Goopuss, Jenise

It’s Black Cat Appreciation Day? This is news to us, but apparently the topic is trending on Twitter. According to the Days of the Year website, August 17 is Black Cat Appreciation Day.

Why Do We Celebrate Black Cat Appreciation Day?

According to Days of the Year,

“Because of superstitious beliefs in some cultures, black cats are sometimes associated with bad luck and, sadly, are more likely to be put to sleep or wait a long time to be adopted from shelters. Black Cat Appreciation Day was launched to show people that a black cat could be the perfect cat for them, and help raise awareness about black cats in general.

“If you’ve been looking for a rescue cat yourself, why not consider a black cat? Not only are the superstitions about them bringing bad luck completely untrue, but you might find a black cat to be a fantastic feline companion for you! On Black Cat Appreciation Day, a fun way to celebrate, if you own a black cat, is to take photos with your pet to share and spread awareness about the day on social media. Children can join in by drawing pictures of black cats.”

Who Cares, Anyway?

We have two excited members of the Feline Funny Farm. One of them is this cat:

The other is this lovely furgirl:

Both of these cats welcome your adulation and applause.

Happy International Cat Day

Shawna 0 Comments Several Inmates

Who knew? It’s International Cat Day, and we almost missed the celebration. To all our feline furpals, we hope you are having a purrfect day.

Let’s Dance!

We admit we are a bit surprised that Mom did not take advantage of this occasion by adopting another kitty. Maybe she did not know this was a special day.

Lost and Lonely

Shawna 2 Comments C. P. Pirate

For the past several days, I have been wandering around the house feeling lost and lonely. I can’t find my best friend, Patch. Everything was fine a couple months back. We were happy together, as you can see.

The two Pirates enjoy one another’s company.

Then Patch got sick. She had runny eyes and a runny nose. Then those symptoms went away. Soon she was wheezing when she breathed. You could hear the sound everywhere in the house. Patch felt so ill that she did not put up much resistance when Mom grabbed her, put her in the carrier, and took her away.

Lonely

Patch was gone for a whole week. I was so lonely! Just when I started to worry that I would never see her again, Patch returned in the carrier. She wasn’t wheezing and seemed to be much better. Mom seemed hopeful that Patch would make a full recovery.

Unfortunately, Patch started wheezing and gasping again. I could tell she did not feel as ill as before, because she displayed a great deal of feistiness when Mom tried to grab her. She scratched Mom, wouldn’t let Mom shut the carrier door, and hid where Mom couldn’t reach her.

Lonely Again

A couple days later Mom got tricky. She kept giving Patch the same food dish over and over again until Patch had almost completely finished her Friskies. Later Mom grabbed Patch and got her into the carrier. I have not seen my friend since.

I think something must have gone very wrong. Mom came home pretty late on Tuesday evening, and she seemed very sad. She has not been going to the vet twice a day like she had been. I keep waiting to see my buddy, Patch, but she is not here. I am so lonely!

Mom Humiliated on Mother’s Day

Shawna 1 Comment Allicat

I am completely ashamed to be the oldest (adopted) sister of a cat who is now notorious on Facebook. What is worse, her behavior humiliated Mom on Mother’s Day.

Mom discovered the cause of her humiliation via e-mail. One of the nice veterinary technicians at Gasow posted the following: “Almost made it out of work without urine on me. Thanks miss patch!” Of course, that is our Patch the Pirate, who is hospitalized for the second time for a very nasty upper respiratory infection. In response to the post, someone commented that Patch is the “urine ninja.”

Patch the Pirate did WHAT?

Poor Mom! It looks like she did not bother to teach Patch any manners. The rest of us would never dream of behaving like that, especially not in public. Of all the days to behave badly, Patch had to choose Mother’s Day. I am deeply sorry that my loving and caring Mom was humiliated in this way.

What I can’t understand is why she and Dad were laughing about the “urine ninja.”

Mom later discovered that the post had been removed. I hope the nice technician realizes that Mom found the situation humorous, although she was sorry about the effects of Patch’s misbehavior.

Drugged and Taken

Shawna 0 Comments Cara Mia

Patch the Pirate is missing again. This morning Mom added something the vet gave her to Patch’s breakfast. It turns out that Patch was drugged and taken away in the big carrier. I am glad it wasn’t me!

I know Mom was at her wits’ end. Patch, after seeming well on the road to recovery, seems to have suffered a relapse. The heavy, congested-sounding breathing that echoed through our living space day in and day out had to be treated, and it couldn’t happen here. The vet proposed some special testing to determine what “bug” has infected our poor fursib so she could get the proper (and lasting) treatment she needs.

Mom tried to trap Patch earlier this week without success, and was clawed for her efforts. Patch rewarded Mom with hisses every time she approached after that. Capture seemed impossible.

Desperate circumstances call for drastic measures. In this case, it led to Patch the Pirate being drugged and taken back to the kitty hospital, where Dr. R. will attempt to discover what ails her.

Trouble Ahead?

Shawna 0 Comments Cara Mia

I may not get much attention around here, but I do notice things. One thing I have observed over the last day or two may mean more trouble ahead for Patch the Pirate. She seems to be breathing rather noisily again, although not the squeaky wheeze she had just before she went into the hospital.

I am not the only one who has noticed this. I heard Dad tell Mom about it this evening. Mom admitted that she has heard the same thing. She claims not to be VERY worried because Patch has no runny eyes or nose, but I know Mom better than that. She is concerned and, if I had to guess, Patch would rather do anything but have more trouble with her health.