Happy Easter

Hi everyone!

I am sorry I haven't posted lately. 

We have had a lot of medical appointments in the past few months, so haven't felt like blogging. Nothing drastic. Just having back issues again. Had an epidural in my lower back, but it didn't work due to scar tissue from previous surgeries. My husband has been having pain in his elbow and had a cortisone shot yesterday. So, nothing we can't handle.

But this is supposed to be about our dear Fanny. And I am sure she would be upset if she knew I had added some of our personal tidbits.

First, Fanny has been doing pretty well. It has been 6 weeks since her last injection of Solensia. It's an anti-inflammatory medication that is supposed to last a month or more. Up until now, after a month, she would start showing some signs of pain by limping more or keeping to herself (sleeping in the closet).  So far, she is interacting with us normally, walking with a minimal limp, and going up and down her steps easily. We'll be able to tell when it's time for her to get the shot again.

But in this blog today, I'd like to cover how the Easter holiday can affect your cat. There are many things that we have in our homes during Easter that are dangerous to cats and other pets.

First, according to the website, Preventivevet.com, Easter Lilies are extremely dangerous and can cause acute kidney failure. 

"Your cat only needs to ingest a small amount or lick even just the pollen off their fur or paws, to be poisoned by these lilies. Lily toxicity is incredibly debilitating and often fatal for cats"

Cyclamen and Amaryllis can also be dangerous. In fact, it's not a bad idea to keep all plants out of your pet's reach.

Chocolate is toxic for pets, especially dogs. And beware that the sugar substitute Xylitol, which can be found in a lot of Easter candies, can be highly toxic to your pets. It causes a dramatic drop in blood sugar and can cause seizures and liver failure.

The plastic grass found in Easter baskets, if ingested, can lead to intestinal obstruction, sometimes requiring surgery.

And last, but not least, avoid sneaking food under the table to your cat during Easter dinner. Fatty foods can cause digestive problems and possibly pancreatitis. While the high sodium levels found in ham can cause neurological problems.

If your cat (or other pet) ingests something that could be harmful, immediately contact your Vet or call the animal-specific poison control center.

Fanny and I hope you and your family have a lovely, safe, Easter.

Remember: Hug your pets
               Darlene

Sources:

https://www.preventivevet.com/pets/easter-safety-for-cats-and-dogs 

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

ASPCA poison control 888-426-4435

Valentine's Day with Fanny

Fanny was my favorite Valentine.....
 Except for my husband, of course.
💘
She is so sweet and always willing to give us a kiss.
💋
Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. 

Fur babies are so adorable and make great cuddle partners.

They make you feel happy, keep you warm, and just plain bless you with their presence.

If she isn't cuddling with me, she's cuddling with my husband.
Men are big softies when it comes to cats.

As an update on Fanny's health, she has been doing pretty well lately. It's been almost 8 weeks since her last injection of Solensia, but I think she is about ready for another. They usually last at least a month. 

She has been kind of sluggish the last week or so. Lying around more. Not eating quite as much. So I'm thinking these are signs that activity may be causing her some pain.

She tried playing in her toy bowl, but fell asleep almost immediately.

I'll be making an appointment for the Vet Tech to give her another shot. 8 weeks is a long time between shots.

If you get a few free moments, please go to Amazon.com and check out Fanny's book...... if you haven't already.
"Hi. My Name Is Fanny"

You can get it with the QR code below.

Well, that's it for today.  

I'll let you know how she does after her Solensia shot.

Bye for now.
Give hugs to your fur babies.

Darlene

 

A Little Tipsy

Hi everyone. 

I am so sorry I haven't posted in a long time. 

I took a small break due to the holidays and just wanted to relax. My husband and I enjoyed watching movies and football games (American Football).🏈

Hubby and I  have aches and pains due to the cool damp weather that we have been having lately. We don't get rain ⛈very often so I enjoy hearing it on the roof but can do without the achiness.

We know when to apply heat or take Acetaminophen, but what about Fanny?

We know she has osteoarthritis. And cats hide pain and sickness so well. 

I did notice that she wasn't asking for food like she normally does. And when I did feed her, she didn't eat all of it. So I thought she may be uncomfortable. 

All she gets now is a monthly shot of Solensia (an anti-inflammatory medication) which she has been doing good with. But today, I thought I would give her a dose of Gabapentin (50 mg tiny pill). She hasn't had any in a couple months.

So this is what she was like afterward.  

I guess it hit her a little hard since she hasn't had a dose in so long. She was a little wobbly on her feet and staring into space with droopy eyes. My husband thought it was kind of funny.😀

When she used to be in constant pain (before the Solensia shot), she didn't get loopy like this from the Gabapentin. And at that time I was giving it to her every 12 hours. 

Anyway, it must have made her feel better. She slept💤with Bill while he watched the games and this evening she is almost back to normal.

The good thing is that she asked for food and ate everything, so hopefully, that means she is feeling better.

It's hard trying to figure out how a cat is feeling. Sometimes you can pick up on subtle cues if you are lucky. You have to be very alert to changes in their behavior.

We'll see how she does tonight and tomorrow. The weather is going to continue to be cool and damp.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I'm sure your fur babies got lots of presents.

Fanny and I wish you a Happy New Year and sending lots of love your way.

Hug your fur baby.

Darlene