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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

JUST A PHOTO

There's no time today for a lengthy post or a post of any kind at all. Instead, I decided to publish a picture of Orphée, it's one of my favorites.

Orphée relaxing with Buddy's old blanket.


Friday, August 23, 2013

SIGNS OF RENAL FAILURE


Because my last post was about treating already diagnosed feline renal failure this post will alert you to those signs that point to the possibility of renal failure. Remember, cats are very good at hiding illness. They need to be in order to survive in the wild.

If your cat is drinking and urinating more, vomiting, has pale gums and/or is less active a trip to the Veterinarian is in order.

Renal failure develops in cats as they get older. Keeping track of your cat's general well-being, behavior and toileting habits is a key factor in early diagnosis. Most renal failure is detected once the disease has progressed and a major amount of the kidneys are compromised.

Each symptom can point to other illnesses such as urinary tract infection, upset stomach, anemia so don't play doctor! Instead, err on the side of caution and make that visit to your Veterinarian! Your cat will be healthier for it.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

REVIEWING THE NEEDS OF A FELINE WITH RENAL FAILURE

Reviewing old paperwork is something I try to do on a regular basis. My most recent exercise uncovered notes I compiled on how to get Buddy to eat his kidney diet cat food. Challenging is the only word to describe our efforts to get a finicky Buddy to eat his special food - it's part and parcel of the disease as it affects the taste buds. Add that to a cat's usual finickiness and, well you understand what I'm talking about.
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I figured it would be a good idea to enumerate the items in my bag of tricks here:
  • Try different types of prescription food - pouch and canned. Different brands have different tastes. You might find one or more brands your cat finds palatable.
  • Mix some warm water in the food. Changing the texture might help and extra fluid never hurt.
  • Juice from tuna packed in water or clam juice (make sure whatever juice you use is onion-free).
  • Mix in bits of tuna or chopped clams.
  • If your cat wants to eat odd food - check with your veterinarian. Buddy craved canned dog food, Bok Choy and Chinese roast pork when he was ill. His doctor said both foods were OK; I would rinse them and add it to his meal.
  • A pinch of catnip in the food might do the trick.
  • Some fresh (no bones) or canned salmon (check with the doctor before including the bones which you should mash very well).
  • Buddy liked peas and scrambled eggs; I would add them separately or together.
  • Home cook (I did) but discuss the menu with your veterinarian.
  • A few drops of anchovy oil - we never tried this but it should work.
Always have fresh, room temperature water (preferably bottled or filtered) available at all times for your cat. Finally, a few other suggestions:
  • Monitor your cat's food intake; don't free-feed.
  • Reduce stress by placing food and water dishes in a quiet area.
  • Be mindful of any changes in your cat's behavior, toileting routine or weight and discuss anything of concern with your veterinarian.
  • Check for changes in your cat's toileting routine.
  • Maintain a schedule of regular doctor visits.
Be diligent; set up a schedule for feedings, checking water and administering medicines. Seriously consider home cooking. Above all love your pet. and enjoy the time you have together.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

TO HAVE A HOME...

"How often have I lain beneath rain on a strange roof, thinking of home." - William Faulkner

After not showing up for the longest time, Porch Guy is coming around on a daily basis. During the day he hangs out in the back yards with Silver Grey and another cat with markings similar to his. After five, he appears on my porch, checking out the bowls as he anticipates dinner. He sits patiently as I change the drinking water and put down the food. He checks each bowl, dining a bit from each, never running away even if I water the plants and putter around him. The shelter has become his home once again. Both Artie and I are honored Porch Guy considers our place his place too.

Porch Guy and Silver Grey.

Surveying his domain.

Just hangin' out on the porch.

Relaxing after dinner.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

A NEW PAGE

I thought it would be nice to share book titles I've found particularly interesting so as of today you will see a new blog page entitled Good Reads. There are only 2 titles listed at the moment but I will add more as we go along.

Check back often, you might be surprised at what you find.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

MY FIRST PICTURE OF PORCH GUY

Porch Guy showed up for meals 2 days in a row. He's much better now than when he disappeared a few weeks back. Practically back to his old weight instead of noticeably thin like before, he does have a wound healing on his back right paw.

The wound was open and bloody when he decided not to come around but it's just hairless now. Never afraid of us, he waits patiently by as we dole out the dry food and whatever real food we're using to supplement our colony's diet then he gets down to the serious business of eating.

I'm glad he's back. 

Leave me alone so I can eat!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

MY FERAL CATS

I realized I haven't posted about my feral cats in quite awhile.  Silver Grey (we've since rechristened her Mom) and her daughter (with the white tip on her tail) show up regularly for dinner. The small black cat comes every evening and sometimes in the early morning hours.

Sadly, I have not seen Brother (the medium grey tuxedo) for months now. Brother was ear-tipped when he first arrived for meals so I hope he decided to return to his original colony or has found another group to join.

There are a few charcoal grey cats that come around. And there is Porch Guy who disappeared for a period of time but has returned. For a feral, he is surprisingly friendly. He doesn't flinch when you come near him or move suddenly. In fact, he will come up to you and he waits patiently for his dinner to be served.  He lost a bit of weight but is slowly putting it back on. Porch Guy lives in the shelter on my front porch most of the time. In fact, he spent last winter sheltering there every night.

I need to get a picture of him for another post but so far I haven't been successful. I've started to supplement the dry cat food with whatever Annie and Orphée leave over. I add healthy powder, oil and scrambled eggs along with the occasional serving of tuna or salmon and fish juices. I give them chicken and chicken juices too.

Everyone seems to be doing fine.

One of my charcoal grey cats.  Not Porch Guy who has an angular face.

Relaxing on top of the winter shelter.