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
