Beware! Cats Like Warm Places

This is an old photo of our Mutchka.  Mutchka died of natural causes in 2007 at the age of 18.  Wasn't he beautiful? We rescued him when he was only 1 month old. Dumped in our neighborhood by an obviously terrible person.

There is a reason I am showing you this particular photo. Back then we had a cable box on the top of our old console television. As you can imagine it emitted some heat.  Mutchka found this very inviting. 

Which brings me to today's topic of cat safety around heat sources.

You may notice your cat finding that spot where the afternoon sun comes through a certain window. They look like they are sunbathing.  Yep. That's what they are doing. And when that sunbeam moves across the room you most likely will see your furbaby get up and move to that new area.

They love to get into your clean clothes that are still warm from the dryer.  They like to lie near the fireplace.
They like to cuddle under the blankets, with or without you, when it's cold.

Off topic fact: Cats spend most of their time sleeping. In the wild they are vulnerable to predators when they are sleeping. When they cuddle to you in bed it gives them an extra sense of security.

The average body temperature for a cat is around 101 degrees while a person's is 98.6.  It's important to know that a cat can only sweat through their paw pads. They can also pant to regulate their temperature.

Depending on the type of coat they have they experience heat in different ways. Short-haired cats tend to seek warmth more than long haired cats.

I'm strictly going to talk about indoor cats today and discuss ways to make sure your kitty stays safe.

Things and situations to consider>>To avoid overheating/burns/singed whiskers
*Fireplaces
*Space heaters
*Stoves
*Broken air conditioners during hot summers/ hot room
*Heating pads

A good pet owner should always know signs of overheating which can include: panting, rapid breathing, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, wobbly on their feet

Always make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water available. Monitor their water intake and urination.

If you suspect a problem get to your veterinarian ASAP. 

Overheating left untreated can lead to heat stroke, organ failure, seizures and even death.

Make sure you have your Vet's phone number in your cell phone's contacts or posted in place where it can be easily found by everyone in your household.

Hope you and your pets have a wonderful and safe Christmas🐈

facebook.com/DarlenesBookshelf

Amazon.com/author/d.colaianni

How To Build Steps For Your Elderly Cat

 

Well today is Fanny's 17th birthday!!!!!

One thing we have to remember, as our fur babies get older, is that they can get arthritic just like us.  You may notice they avoid jumping up on objects.  Or they seem stiff when getting up from a long nap.
We have a high bed that Fanny can not get up on by herself.  She tries but it is difficult and sometimes she doesn't quite make it. (Thud!)

I decided she needed steps so she could sleep on her favorite corner of the bed. I looked on Amazon and they were priced from $30-$185.  

I thought about it and decided I didn't want to spend the money.  Instead I thought about the many empty boxes I had in the garage. Why couldn't I try to build my own.

Here's what I did. 
First I found various sized boxes. If they are empty they may not handle your cats weight.  I overstuffed the boxes with my "hoarded" plastic bags from the grocery store. I used packaging tape to seal them.

I had some black cloth I had been saving for some reason. Hmmm. I found a purpose for it.

I also had some "Grip" shelf liner. I covered the black cloth with the liner.  I figured the that would provide good footing for her so she wouldn't slip. 

I just secured everything I did with some tape (to the bottom of the boxes) but you could use a glue gun or staple gun.  Whatever you find is easiest.  Just make sure everything is secure and doesn't slide.

Fanny's first time using the new steps. She did not hesitate.

He we go. Step two and three. No problem so far. I think she likes it.

SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!
After I took this photo she actually went up and down the steps a few more times like she was really enjoying her new found freedom. She doesn't have to cry and beg to be picked up and placed on the bed. 

I know, I know.  It doesn't look professional.  Of course it doesn't.  I'm not a professional cat steps builder.  But if you want to save money, I hope this gives you somes ideas.

Please share and/or leave a comment.  I'd love to hear if you have come up with any ideas to save money on cat supplies, etc.

And don't forget to go to my Facebook Author Page and check out Fanny's book.

https://www.facebook.com/DarlenesBookshelf

Boarding Fanny During Our Trip

As you can see, Fanny took over the suitcase as soon as I brought it out.  This happens every time.  I bet you have had the same reaction from your cats.  They are either on top or inside. And they don't want to be moved.

Well, we decided to take a little trip to the Palm Springs area for some R&R. First trip we have taken in almost 2 years.

Fanny has become so used to us being at home, especially since I retired.  She howls when my husband leaves to go on an errand.  She goes to the door and makes these ungodly sounds.  It sounds like someone is being killed.

So boarding was our only option if we were leaving.  If you remember from my previous post, we gave the boarding thing a trial run.  It went fine.

This time we left her on Sunday and picked her up on Thursday. She did not want to come out of her little dwelling when Bill went to pick her up.  She hissed, growled and swatted at him. She was pissed. After about 10 minutes, Bill was able to get his hand close enough for her to get his scent.  Then he was able to pick her up.😾

We had requested their daily "cuddle time" but they told us they weren't charging us for that because she had no interest in being cuddled.😿

They had monitored and kept a log of her food & water intake and use of litter box. And her weight stayed constant. Everything was good.

Once we got her home she seemed fine.  She had to check everything out to make sure nothing had changed while she was away.🙀

Then the fun began.  Diarrhea and vomiting. This lasted for about 24 hrs.  I was aware that this is normal after boarding.  The stress is the cause. 

Anyway, we handled the inconvenience.  Thank goodness for my Bissell Spotbot Pet machine. 

It has been a lifesaver.  Especially when our other cat (CC) was at end of life.  She was having accidents everywhere.  This is our 2nd Spotbot.  We had the other one for many years and wore it out.  I had an extended warranty on it and Bissell replaced it. Cool.

Anyway, Fanny is back to normal. Shadowing Bill and no more digestive issues....at least for now.

I'd love to hear from y'all.  Tell us how your cat (or dog) reacts to you going on trips.

Until next time.....Meow!

Fanny's Overnight Adventure

We think it's time for us to get away. Due to my back surgeries and the pandemic, we have pretty much been locked up way too long.  Planning a short trip to Palm Springs.  The only thing that was worrying us was leaving Fanny home alone with just my brother in law coming to feed her a few times a day.  She tends to howl and scream if she gets anxious.  The neighbors may not appreciate that.

So we decided to give her a one night trial run at a local Kennel/Spa.  The staff had suggested this because that lets Fanny see even if she has to stay there we will come back.  And we haven't abandoned her.

We just got the basic "room" for the one night.  It included a cozy little bed, carpet, litter box, food and water.  We also asked to have her nails clipped (which they called a pedicure) and some cuddle time. What I liked is that we got to choose a window view.  

Fanny is on a special diet and they tried to accommodate her feeding times as much as possible.  I brought her food (wet and dry) from home along with a couple toys.

She didn't seem too stressed.  The staff was kind and gentle with her and they allowed me to help put her in the room so it wouldn't be so traumatic. No growling.

Everything seemed fine when we went to pick her up the next morning.  She was in the bed and turned her head as soon as she heard my voice.  As the staff member went to place her in the carrier there was one little growl.

She seemed fine when we got home.  She walked around and made sure nothing had changed while she was gone.  Then she went to her water fountain.

I think she will be fine while we go on our little trip. She will be there 4 or 5 nights. Another important thing for me was that this facility has someone on property 24 hrs a day. And they will send you photos if you ask. They weigh the pet daily to make sure they maintain their weight and they monitor their food intake.

She seemed relaxed when we brought her home.

I would really recommend investigating places before you board your animals. Read comments on sites like Yelp.

Once we had boarded our cats at a well known pet store. They used very small cages and they placed both cats in one cage. When we picked them up our cats were filthy and totally freaked out.

I'll let everyone know how the trip goes and how Fanny does on her little vacation.

Let me know your experiences with boarding pets!

 

Osteoarthritis in Cats-UPDATE!

 

Does your back hurt when you bend over to pick something up?
Does your shoulder hurt when you brush your hair or reach for something on a high shelf?
Do your hips hurt? Do your fingers hurt? Does a wrist hurt?
I could go on, but you get the picture.

As a sufferer of osteoarthritis myself, I know that it can be painful.  What's worse is that others may not understand the pain you are in because it is not visible to them.

It's not like you can show someone a cast to let them know you have a broken bone.  You can't show them a scar that lets them know you just had a surgery.

But let's talk about osteoarthritis in felines.  It's even more tricky for people to know when cats have it.

First, what is it?  It's a type of condition where normal cartilage that cushions a joint wears away. This could be caused by inflammation, injury or simply "wear and tear" due to the aging process.  This can create pain by producing a bone on bone situation.  Not cool.

It's common to hear that a dog has arthritis but you don't hear it that often regarding cats.  There's a reason for that.  Cats are amazingly good at hiding their discomfort. This comes from their natural survival skills.  They can't appear weak in case they are being stalked by a predator.

 

I have been watching Fanny for a while now and I think she may have arthritis.  I can't be certain but as I gather more observations I will be certain to convey my suspicions to our Vet.  Fanny is going to be 17 years old soon so I would not be surprised if she is having some age related pain.

My observations:  

1) She is not as active as she used to be.
2) She does not liked to be picked up.
3) She doesn't jump up on things.
4) She "asks" to be lifted up onto the bed
5) She looks for an easy way to get down from the bed. (I leave a chair nearby if I leave the bedroom)
6) She walks stiffly (her hips) when waking up from naps.

Things that she still does well:

1) She is still grooming herself. 
2) She has not lost weight.
3) Appetite is good.
4) She is able to get in and out of litter box.

I know this is a gross photo but it's important to note that osteoarthritis may also affect a cat's ability to clean themselves after using the litter box.  It can be hard for them to reach.  This is especially important since licking their butt helps prevent urinary tract infections, etc.

Now the troubling part.  There are minimal drug treatments for cats.  So talk to your Vet for options.  

BUT... in the meantime...there are things that you can do to make your furry friend more comfortable.
>soft bedding
>weight loss, if needed
>raised dishes for food and water
>litter pans with low sides for easy entering and exiting
>gentle exercise
>steps or other means for them to get on/off that high bed

So be sure to observe your cat. Tell your Vet if you feel something is off.  Your cat may not let on that anything is wrong while at the Vet's office.  I read an article once that mentioned taking a video of your cat's behavior that concerns you because you may never be able to replicate that behavior at the office.  Good tip!

Thanks for checking in with us.  Please take time to comment and share.  Would love to hear about your experiences.

UPDATE:

Here is an easy way to provide your cat or small dog with steps to get up on a high bed.  I filled old boxes with old grocery bags (you can use anything as long as you make the box sturdy). One larger than the other to create steps.  I then covered each box with stretchy shelf liner to keep them from slipping on the floor and also provide good footing for the animal.
I still have to cover the ugly boxes but it still saved me a lot of money on "pet stairs".....even at Amazon prices

* https://icatcare.org/advice/arthritis-and-degenerative-joint-disease-in-cats/

*https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/osteoarthritis-cats-more-common-you-think

Fanny's Results Are In>follow up

UPDATE:

Well, we went back to the Veterinarian today.  Fanny needed to have her ears rechecked to see if the ear drops worked.  It's been 8 days.

The Vet took another sample of the gunk in her ears.  (Again:  gunk is not a medical term)
They make a slide and looked at the amount of bacterial colonization.  

Glad to find out there was a great improvement.  Just have to finish the remainder of the drops and she does not have to return. 

 Dr. N. was pleased with the results.

___________________________________________________

Fanny is sticking her tongue out because she thinks she is impressive since she was such a good patient yesterday.

 She went to the Veterinarian for her annual exam.  

Please make sure you check out yesterday's post for some photos and details on how the visit played out.

The Vet just called and gave me the results of her blood work.  Everything was normal and her kidney function is stable.  We are to continue on her renal diet.  She remains at stage 2 kidney disease.

As far as her ears go, we have to have her rechecked in 7-10 days to see if the ear drops are working.

He said that it is not uncommon for indoor cats to get fungal or bacterial infections in their ears.  More common apparently in the summer months and can even be a manifestation of allergies.  

They will do another test on the gunk (remember I told you that is not a medical term) in her ears to see if the ear drops have cleared the infection or if she needs to continue on them for a little while longer.

Remember: take your pets for their yearly exams.  It's so important so they can live long, healthy lives.  They are our friends and part of our families.

https://www.aspca.org/

Fanny's Annual Vet Visit

 This is when I told Fanny that she was going to the Vet in the morning.  Her ears perked up and it was like, "Say, what?"

So this morning I took her to her appointment.

Here she is getting weighed. She is maintaining her weight which is something we watch closely since she has early kidney disease.

After she got weighed she started to feel more comfortable and started to look around the room at her surroundings.

She even started walking around on the exam table.  Maybe she was casing the joint to plan her escape.  Don't know.

After the Vet examined her and we were waiting for them to come get her for lab work, she just laid there and chilled.  Notice how she tucked in her front paws.  A sign of relaxation.

I waited in the waiting room while they took her for the tests.  It was eerie since Covid-19 restrictions are still in place.  Only one human in the waiting room at a time.  Otherwise, you wait in your car.

The only thing I was told so far is that she has a buildup of gunk (not a medical term) in both of her ears.  They will test that gunk. In the meantime I was given ear drops to give her twice a day.

The lab tests will show her kidney function and and general health and will tell us if she can undergo anesthesia for a dental cleaning.

In a few days the Vet will call me with the lab test results and I will know more.  I'll update everyone then.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer with their fur babies.  Stay safe and well!

Hairballs. Yuk!

If you are a cat owner you know that hairballs are gross but we have to deal with them.  It's not just that they are disagreeable to us because we have to clean it up, but it can lead to intestinal blockage for your feline friend.

Even if you brush your cat regularly they are going to continue to groom themselves.  That rough little tongue of theirs catches loose and dead hairs which are then swallowed.  

Most of that hair passes through the digestive tract with no problem.  But if hair starts accumulating in the stomach a hairball will form.

Usually the cat will vomit it up but sometimes it can cause a blockage.  This may call for a costly visit to the Vet.

As a cat ages they will develop more hairballs because they become more proficient in their grooming skills.

I can always tell when Fanny has a hairball.  She gets a little grumpy and she will have some retching.  Then she will be finicky about eating.  

Two days ago Fanny ate 2 meals and then later vomited those two meals up all at one time.  And guess where?  On our bed of course.  Although it was "gross" I just had to deal with.

But I had been observing her for a day or so since she was grumpy.  I made sure she was pooping and drinking water.

Then yesterday she was in the living room, started retching, then vomited the hairball.  

We praised her and she immediately felt better and started asking to be fed.  

I suggest that after a cat vomits up a hairball to only feed them small amounts of wet food for the rest of the day since their esophagus will be irritated.

There are numerous hairball remedies out there.  I have tried hairball control food before but didn't see much benefit from it plus Fanny is now strictly on a renal diet for her kidney disease.

There are pastes and gels which you can smear on their paws if they don't lick it off your finger. Those are hit or miss depending on if your cat likes the taste or not. And watch out....they will try to flick it off their paw.

I have recently tried the two remedies I have pictured above. Both are in treat form.

I found that they are better suited for Fanny since I can incorporate them into her nightly "treat game". They are infused with lubricant to facilitate the hairball being passed through the digestive tract.

Whatever method you use be sure to consult with you Veterinarian.  

 

Hairball Symptoms:

Ongoing gagging, hacking, retching, vomiting without producing a hairball

Lack of appetite

Lethargy

Constipation

Diarrhea

Hope you and your fur babies stay happy and healthy.

Fanny's Has Something On Her Nose

Well, we were putting away toilet paper into a cupboard.  A normal thing to do after you have returned from a big box store like Sam's Club or Costco.

But later we saw Fanny laying on the bed and she had a piece of toilet paper stuck to her wet nose. 

It's kind of funny because she doesn't even seem to know it's there.

One thing I love about cats is that they do the cutest things. 

There are times when that's not true though.

They are instinctively very, very curious and that can get them into trouble.

We had to baby proof our apartment for one cat we had years ago.  He was able to open our cabinet doors and the doors would shut on him.  He'd go to sleep in the cabinet and we'd go crazy looking for him.

Anyway, I am sure you have some cute stories.  Feel free to share them here.

And don't forget to like/subscribe to this blog.

Until next time......Toodles

The Cone Of Shame

Well, I am sure most pet lovers have had to deal with the "cone of shame".

Any time your pet has abdominal surgery or being treated for any type of problem where licking is discouraged, they get the Elizabethan collar. 

 Licking and chewing of an incision can cause irritation and/or infection.

Here is a photo of Fanny after having a minor butt surgery.  She was not a happy camper.

They look at you with those big, sad eyes and you melt.

You can always take it off if you are interacting with the pet but replace it if you are going to leave them alone.  Pets instinctively want to lick their wound.

They can eat, drink, pee, poop and sleep with the collar on.

Think of it this way. It's a cheap insurance policy. If your pet licks, chews, pulls out the stitches or staples, chances are you will be making another visit to the vet and paying more money.

The tongue, especially a cat's, is very rough and can destroy healing tissue and delay the healing process.

Follow the Vet's instructions and your pet's booboo will heal faster.

Your pet will not hold a grudge.  I promise.

Please feel free to comment and share.

 

Your Cat's Dental Health

It is so important to remember not to ignore your cat's dental health.

Veterinarians say that cats can start showing signs of periodontal disease (gum disease) by the age of 3. And unless you are dedicated enough to brush your cat's teeth at home, periodontal disease will progress.

The key to management of gum disease is Prevention, Prevention, Prevention!!!!

Brushing should start when your cat  is young and more agreeable.  Older cats will most likely fight you.

So when you are starting your brushing routine, start by letting the young cat lick the toothpaste off your finger.  Let them get used to the taste.  Do not use human toothpaste for it may be harmful if swallowed.

I would stick to a soft brush made for cats. Or a finger brush.  Even then, make sure you are gentle and if the cat shows any signs of discomfort, stop, and make an appointment to see the Vet.

Special attention should be paid to the upper outer teeth (canines) since they do the most chewing.

Understand that it may take a couple weeks to get your cat used to the brushing routine. There are plenty of online videos to help you.

 There are oral rinses and gels but some cats do not like the taste of those.

In rare occasions special dental diets may be ordered by your Vet.  Remember: dental treats do not replace good oral care.

It is also very important to have yearly dental exams done by your Vet.  They can catch early signs of gum disease.  If necessary, anesthesia may be required to remove plaque and tartar as well as extracting decayed teeth.

Here's a site that lists approved dental foods and treats :

(http://www.vohc.org)

On a personal note; previously on this blog I wrote about our cat, Mutchka.  Mutchka was found when he was very, very tiny and malnourished.  He had been deprived of his mother's milk and due to the lack of calcium and other required nourishment as a baby, he had terrible teeth.  He had some early decay and other problems.  He had to have several teeth filled and a few pulled.

Would I do this again even though it was an unexpected expense? Yes!  I would.  Mutchka was otherwise healthy and lived to the age of 18.  A beautiful white cat with gorgeous blue eyes.

https://icatcare.org/advice/how-to-brush-your-cats-teeth/