WHAT A LHOTA HUMBUG!

Generally, I don't write about political issues but I couldn't let the Joe Lhota/kittens escapade pass without commenting. In my opinion, Joe Lhota has proved himself a better candidate for the title of Scrooge than Mayor of New York City.

Once again New Yorkers proved they will do anything to save a life, in this case, the lives of a couple of adorable kittens. The little guys were playing hooky and playing on the tracks. The MTA cut power to the third rail ending Brooklyn B and Q line service for more than two hours until the four-legged juvenile delinquents were corralled.

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/lhota-wouldn-stopped-subway-kittens-article-1.1442178

Suspending service to remove the kittens from the tracks was not something Joe Lhota would have done. A pity the man who wants to be our next Mayor isn't familiar with the duties of the office he so actively seeks. Has he not heard of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC Animals? It's only been in existence for 10 years. There are many initiatives promoted by the Mayor's Alliance among them aid for victims of domestic violence and their pets, adoptions, spay/neuter programs and the NYC Feral Cat Initiative!

How can anyone seeking the office of Mayor not be concerned about kittens when the city has a program in place to improve the lives of strays and ferals? I wonder what percentage of voters are rethinking their Mayoral choice.

New Yorkers love an underdog or in this case under-cats. Read up on the Mayor's Alliance and get involved in helping our less fortunate furry New Yorkers like August and Arthur. 

http://www.nycferalcat.org/about.htm 

Only in New York and only in Brooklyn... 

Photo from NBC News 4 New York.

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.

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.

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.