So, I was performing the evil but necessary task of changing the kitty litter. I noticed something: the litter pan liner was not destroyed!
Here is the back-story: Jack used to rip up the litter pan liner. The truth is I thought he was doing it because my litter box is not always the cleanest. So, I thought he was wiping his paws. Now, what I have learned is that he was actually working out his frustrations! He was in pain because of those dang crystals.
This taught me the lesson that anything that seems odd could quite possibly mean that something is wrong.
Recently, with Jack's illness, people have asked me: how did you know that he was sick? Let me explain.
First, there is no replacement for you knowing your pet. Once Summer got a fever, and I knew that because I knew her. She did not respond to food the way she normally would. So, I took her to the vet. But, that's another story.
For Jack, I knew he had problems when he started going to the bathroom more often. Also, pay attention to when you're changing the litter. For cats with urinary problems, you may notice blood in the litter. In addition, pay attention to the cat's posture. If he is curving his back like he is pushing, that's bad.
Lastly, this is yet another advantage of having two pets. You have the opportunity to compare behaviors. I could compare Jack's behavior with Summer's. This way, I can notice anything that may be different. So, go ahead and adopt two cats! :)
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
So, happy new year everyone, and I hope everyone had a great holiday season. I can't believe 2008 is official here!
So, a little update: Jack is well!
Since this is a new blog, allow me to give you the background. Jack has been sick with bladder infection second time in his life. (Or, the new theory is that he had problems since birth, but just now detected.) He underwent surgery just before the holidays.
First, he was scheduled for a simple surgery to remove the crystals that were discovered during a recent x-ray. Despite diet changes (which had potentials to dissolve the crystals), he did not seem to be better. So, I opted for surgery.
In the middle of the surgery, the vet called to ask for my authorization for a more comprehensive surgery, since there were crystals along the way that he couldn't get to. So, my poor Jack went through a perineal urethrostomy. This is basically a kitty sex change.
Several thoughts went through my mind. I was scheduled to leave town for the holidays. Jack's recovery time would be prolonged. So, first thing was would the vet be willing to board him while I am gone. He agreed, so I agreed to the additional surgery.
He had to wear a elizabeth collar (a cone-shaped hoodie) afterwards to make sure he doesn't lick his wounds. He also needed to use Yesterday's News litters to avoid litters getting stuck to his wounds. (A problem with that is that Yesterday's News doesn't come in small packages. So, I ended up with a huge bag. I also believe the rabbit variety could have worked too, and that did come in a smaller packaging. Oh well, I guess I could always use litters.)
I was worried that Jack would not be in tip top shape for any kind of wrestling. So, I separated him from Summer for the duration of the recovery. When he came back, Summer hissed and growled at him for two full days. I had to keep a good eye on them for a while. Now, Jack is healthy, and he and Summer play like buds again.
Jack was really ready for some loving when he got back home. But all told, he recovered beautifully. Surprisingly, this was also the first time that Summer has been left to her own devices (since I left for the holidays and Jack was at the vet). She was also very much ready for some loving when I returned. She was by my side at all time. That was cute.
All told, the surgery costed me over $1K, but it's a small price for Jack's comfort.
So, for the new year, I wish you all good health. To you and your four legged friends!
So, a little update: Jack is well!
Since this is a new blog, allow me to give you the background. Jack has been sick with bladder infection second time in his life. (Or, the new theory is that he had problems since birth, but just now detected.) He underwent surgery just before the holidays.
First, he was scheduled for a simple surgery to remove the crystals that were discovered during a recent x-ray. Despite diet changes (which had potentials to dissolve the crystals), he did not seem to be better. So, I opted for surgery.
In the middle of the surgery, the vet called to ask for my authorization for a more comprehensive surgery, since there were crystals along the way that he couldn't get to. So, my poor Jack went through a perineal urethrostomy. This is basically a kitty sex change.
Several thoughts went through my mind. I was scheduled to leave town for the holidays. Jack's recovery time would be prolonged. So, first thing was would the vet be willing to board him while I am gone. He agreed, so I agreed to the additional surgery.
He had to wear a elizabeth collar (a cone-shaped hoodie) afterwards to make sure he doesn't lick his wounds. He also needed to use Yesterday's News litters to avoid litters getting stuck to his wounds. (A problem with that is that Yesterday's News doesn't come in small packages. So, I ended up with a huge bag. I also believe the rabbit variety could have worked too, and that did come in a smaller packaging. Oh well, I guess I could always use litters.)
I was worried that Jack would not be in tip top shape for any kind of wrestling. So, I separated him from Summer for the duration of the recovery. When he came back, Summer hissed and growled at him for two full days. I had to keep a good eye on them for a while. Now, Jack is healthy, and he and Summer play like buds again.
Jack was really ready for some loving when he got back home. But all told, he recovered beautifully. Surprisingly, this was also the first time that Summer has been left to her own devices (since I left for the holidays and Jack was at the vet). She was also very much ready for some loving when I returned. She was by my side at all time. That was cute.
All told, the surgery costed me over $1K, but it's a small price for Jack's comfort.
So, for the new year, I wish you all good health. To you and your four legged friends!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Beginning
The tale of two kitties began on June 22, 2004...
The original plan was to adopt one at a regional pet adoption event over that weekend. So, I decided to go to Petsmart and get some pet supplies. (Yes, get the litterbox BEFORE you get the cat!)
Anyway, when I was there, I saw someone walk out with the cutest kitten! I didn't even realize that you could adopt cats from Petsmart! So, I went over to the adoption center and checked the kitties out.
Well, I took home the one that purred at me. Summer is a purrer. Then, I decided that I needed to get her a friend, so I took home "Bongo", a very attentive and active cat. Well, "Bongo" was soon renamed Jack.
Honestly, I was really overwhelmed when I got them. They chased each other and ran and ran and ran all around the living room. WHAT DID I DO? I brought home fireballs of energy! I didn't get one, I got TWO! I had to take a walk. I called all animal friendly people I know to have them reassure me that I'm not crazy and things would be okay.
When I got back from the walk, they had tuggered themselves out. It was then I realize how wonderful my kitties were! And they were TINY. They are smaller than my tennis shoe!
Oh, those were the times. Now, they are your average fat kitties ;) I decided to start this blog because throughout the kitties young lives, I had to rely on the web for a variety of information. So, I thought I would use a blog to share my own experiences, and hope that would be helpful to future pet parents!
The original plan was to adopt one at a regional pet adoption event over that weekend. So, I decided to go to Petsmart and get some pet supplies. (Yes, get the litterbox BEFORE you get the cat!)
Anyway, when I was there, I saw someone walk out with the cutest kitten! I didn't even realize that you could adopt cats from Petsmart! So, I went over to the adoption center and checked the kitties out.
Well, I took home the one that purred at me. Summer is a purrer. Then, I decided that I needed to get her a friend, so I took home "Bongo", a very attentive and active cat. Well, "Bongo" was soon renamed Jack.
Honestly, I was really overwhelmed when I got them. They chased each other and ran and ran and ran all around the living room. WHAT DID I DO? I brought home fireballs of energy! I didn't get one, I got TWO! I had to take a walk. I called all animal friendly people I know to have them reassure me that I'm not crazy and things would be okay.
When I got back from the walk, they had tuggered themselves out. It was then I realize how wonderful my kitties were! And they were TINY. They are smaller than my tennis shoe!
Oh, those were the times. Now, they are your average fat kitties ;) I decided to start this blog because throughout the kitties young lives, I had to rely on the web for a variety of information. So, I thought I would use a blog to share my own experiences, and hope that would be helpful to future pet parents!
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