If Being Spoiled Is Wrong, I Don't Want To Be Right

Okay. Look at that face. 
I will admit that I am biased in thinking that she is cute. But she is such a sweet old girl. 

I have a comforter folded up on the bed and she found it to be the perfect pillow for taking naps.

Back in May of this year, she became lame in her right hind leg. Those of you who have followed her journey know that she has to take daily medication to help her with pain. She has severe arthritis in her lower back and can't put weight on her right leg.
Since then, she has made a lot of adjustments to her everyday routines.

Here she is by her water fountain, which she loves. She'll sometimes spend hours lying near it.

And will sometimes just lay her head on it or drink without standing up. We can tell if she has been sleeping with her head on the water since her neck and whiskers are really wet. I removed the waterfall feature from the fountain because the top of her head was always getting wet.

It's important for her to drink water since she has kidney disease. We observe her litter box every day to make sure her kidneys continue to function.

She has finally started grooming herself. Grooming is an activity that I follow closely. When cats are not feeling well, they tend to ignore this routine.

A well-feeling cat commonly will wash their face every time they eat.

You don't want their hair to get matted. This can happen if they are unable to groom themselves. So it is very important that you try to brush them daily.

Fanny has difficulty raising and straightening her hind legs so she doesn't groom her hind quarters like she'd like to. That's an area that will be prone to matting.

Before, Fanny didn't like to be brushed, but now she seems to love it and it seems to relax her.

Another activity that I have to observe closely is that she is pooping and that she isn't straining. Our Vet has prescribed a laxative that I give her daily.

But, I think she is doing much better. She seems to have adapted to her limp. She takes frequent rest stops when she walks a long distance. 

She is interacting with us more. 
She is more vocal and her appetite has increased.

Love❤ 
Fanny loves to be cuddled and pampered. (spoiled)
Who wouldn't?

Show your pet some love❤

Please share any stories you may have about a pet with aging or medical issues. Would love to hear how they (and you) are coping.

Darlene
 

Decrease Your Pets Stress During Vet Visits

Here is a great article addressing how to decrease the stress on your pet when you take them to visit the Veterinarian.

https://www.timesonline.com/story/lifestyle/pets/2022/06/13/maro-decrease-your-pets-stress-during-veterinary-visits-beaver-lawrence-county/65360073007/

 Luckily, Fanny doesn't seem to mind going to the Vet. She has been going to the same office her entire life (17+ years). Even though the actual Vets have come and gone, she recognizes the atmosphere and seems quite comfortable. 

Everyone there uses a calm and friendly voice. They practice minimal-stress handling which Fanny and I both appreciate.

It makes a difference that they place a nice soft towel or blanket on the examining table instead of having the cat lay on a cold, bare table.

Good girl

You may not have a cat, but the article may give you tips for your dog or other small pet.

Personally, I make sure there is something soft in her carrier for her to lay on. And as I have mentioned before, calming (Pheromone) collars are good, too. If you don't usually use a Pheromone collar on your cat, I suggest you put one on a few days before their scheduled visit so they get used to it and they won't stress as much on the day of the visit.

I'm sure a lot of you have your own tricks that you use on "Vet Days".  Would love to hear them. You can leave comments here on the blog or you can contact me on my Facebook Page.

https://www.facebook.com/DarlenesBookshelf/

Here's wishing you and your pets a happy and safe Labor Day.

Darlene