Wowie
Hi Everyone... I just wanted to thank everyone for all your help and kindness and tell you that Wowie passed yesterday morning. He declined very quickly and we had tried the pred shot but it didn't help this far along. I was home with him and he was in my arms when he passed away. I miss him so much. I still hear him meowing. I worry if I did the right things for him. I am so angry that whoever had him before never had him vaccinated or cared enough about him to neuter him or keep him as an indoor cat. But I can't dwell on it. It just makes me upset. Thank you EVERYONE so much for every bit of helpful information and guidance you have given. You have all been so wonderful. Hugs, Rebecca
Wowie Update
Thank you everyone for your kind words and words of advice on Wowie's situation. Update...I spoke with another vet who was so helpful and knowledgable and asked him about the medications some had mentioned on the list and also asked him to explain things I didn't understand. I went to see him for a second opinion. He knew and was familiar with all that was recommended. I found out that the steroids my vet had given me for wowie were Prenisolone as Kris had mentioned NOT Prednisone. She did not give him an injection of this, but instead gave him the chewable bites which he took happily. This new doctor said not to think in terms of how long Wowie has but rather to take it day by day and help him best we can. He also said he has seen FLV cats in worse condition that have bounced back so always to have hope. I liked his attitude about the whole thing and felt more comfortable talking to him and asking him everything and anything and really felt he was so helpful so I'm sticking with him. He's going to take a look at his blood test results and he wants to do a IFA test because only an ELISA was done which I don't understand because the first thing that the first vet said to me when i told her an elisa was done was that she thought an IFA would be more helpful. So why did she do an ELISA again? I'm hoping for WOwie. He is eating again and he is more talkative and more active. Not yet back to his old self, but better than he was. Thank you so much everyone for everything and let me know anything, any input, advice, thoughts etc you may have as it has thus far been SO helpful! Hugs, Rebecca Yesterday, Wowie was eating. He was also meowing again and more active. This means the
Wowie
Hi All- I had written a few days ago to ask about teeth. I took Wowie to the vet yesterday and he is not eating but not beacuse of his teeth. He is not well and in fact, his health has taken a turn for the worst. The prognosis is not good and neither is my state of mind. I have to make a decision this week. His blood work came back showing he is anemic, his bilirubin levels are high, his RBC count is also high, WBC count is low. She said he doesn't have much time. She also said she believes he is younger than the 5 years that most vets had estimated. She gave me steriods to try and get him to eat and clavimox. I don't know what to say. I'm at a loss. Though I knew this day would come when I took him in just 7 months ago, it could still never be easy. Thanks for listening. Rebecca
Teeth
Hi Everyone... I wondered if anyone could offer advice on feLuk gum disease. Wowie has stopped eating. Not for lack of wanting to, but the only thing I can guess is that he is in pain. I have been brushing his teeth as the dr suggested, and have been brushing with both toothpaste and a separate brushing with baking soda and then a peroxide/h20 rinse. He is so good about it, but it doesn't seem to help, and his gums don't look great. He clearly wants to eat and is interested in food, but seems to be having trouble and it's taking a toll on his weight and i fear for his health. The dr had suggested last time we saw him, that I have a dental done when I have him neutered, but I put it off because I am afraid to put a FeLuk cat WITH a heart murmur under anesthesia. But now, I fear it's inevitable. I can't have him in pain or not eating. I don't know what to do. Any thoughts? I'm trying to get an appointment with a dr. here who specializes in cats. Hope to get in on saturday. Until then, any advice? Thanks so much. Rebecca
FeLV cats deserve a chance
Dear Kerry- I'm a bit of a lurker on this board but read your email about the shelter for FeLV+ cats and wanted to say a little something. I adopted a cat I found outside my office in November of 2005. He tested positive for FeLV and that's how I came to find this wonderful list of people and cats here. A lot of people say they could never get a pet, let alone a pet with a health condition because it is too hard to lose them when they go. That, is true, however, the time spent with them is beyond explanation. When I took Wowie into my home knowing he had FeLV. I thought I might have to distance myself from the situation but I knew that no one would give him a better home than I could. Even though he had this condition, nothing about him made him any less wonderful than he is. Sick or not sick, living creatures who are here on this earth should be given love and the best care while they are here, just as we would do for any human being we loved. FeLV, while unpredictable, is not a death sentence. While some do not have much time, many others do live quite long and happy lives and it is us who can help to make their stay here, no matter how long it is, the best it can be. What a wonderful gift to be able to give, and what a wonderful gift the reward of a loving companion is whose life is better, because of you. Wowie is thriving and while I do not know what the future brings, I know that no matter who we are, life is unpredictable for ALL of us and no matter how long life may be, it is never long enough. Enjoy every day, make it count and make it count for those whose lives you touch as well. Wowie is doing SO well right now and I wouldn't trade anything in the world for the love and joy this cat has brought into my life I feel lucky every single day...just ask anyone I keep blabbing to about him! No matter how long his life may be, I will always be grateful for the time he has been a part of my life and know that because I gave him a chance, he has lived a more comfortable, warmer, loved existence in my home. And boy does he show that he appreciates it! Thanks for letting me share! Rebecca - Original Message - From: Kerry MacKenziemailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgmailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 12:22 AM Subject: I need your help Dear all I'll try to make this as brief/concise as possible. Because of what happened with Pookie, Paula Fasseas, the founder/owner of the shelter, PAWS, called me. I would never normally have had a chance to speak to her---she's a society high-flier who owns banks (yup, you read that right) and started up PAWS just a few years ago when her small daughter suggested doing something for animals. Pookie wasn't positive, but at some point in our conversation she mentioned leukemia in passing. Now, PAWS is building a 7-million dollar state of the art shelter in Chicago, with adoption suites (and much more space I've heard given to dogs than cats). I had also heard from 2 reliable sources that this shelter was NOT going to have space for FeLV cats which saddened and sickened me. All this money and effort, and no support for FeLV kitties. I kept thinking I should write to Paula Fasseas. So when *leukemia* came up in the phone call, this was a never-to-be-repeated chance. I asked her if there was to be an annex for FeLV cats in the new facility letting her know that I had had 6 FeLV cats at one point and they have a special place in my heart. I was expecting her to say no. But, she said that there was an 8x16 room they could probably use for that... ! And we then got talking a bit about FeLV and I explained why they *should* be included in the new shelter. She got quite animated and enthused about the idea, and I said I'd send her this wonderful website address (which i already did). However, yesterday it occurred to me that i should send a PS with some brief case histories from you wonderful people, to illustrate in a very real way why FeLV cats should be given a chance the same as other cats. As an example, my statement will prob say something like: I took in a colony of 6 cats, 5 of whom tested positive. Four of them, Caramel, Levi, Flavia and Snowball, kittens when I got them, enjoyed quality lives for between 1-2 years, playing and roughhousing and grooming and cuddling and enjoying their food and treats like all kittens do.They loved to play ping pong in the middle of the night--I was frequently wakened by the thud-thud against the door! Mickey is still going strong, and cuddles and plays with Momcat, who incidentally is and retested negative. Kerry M If any of you--particularly those of you whose cats have lived longer, could email me a brief description with their names, ages, and also whether you mix too--I'll compile them and send them on. Please note I may
Re: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 13, Issue 1
Patti and Nina- Quickly I just have to point out that pom poms had me laughing pretty hard...now onto the big stuff... As far as Wowie's eye issue goes, it didn't look TERRIBLE but something was off with it, because he was squinting with his right eye and the upper and lower lid looked bright pink. No, there was no discharge cloudy or otherwise, but his eye was teary. It just looked swollen though because it was kind of closed and the other looked fine. The dr gave me ointment, I'm not sure of the name, it's in a yellow tube, which he told me to treat BOTH eyes with because he said it can catch from one eye to the other. It doesn't look infected, but I wanted to nip it in the bud in case it was something serious I didnt want to wait. I'm kicking myself and so upset for doing that already with my rabbit because stopped stopped eating on Monday night and I said, if she's not eating tomorrow, I'm calling the vet. I came home for lunch yesterday and she was gone. She had only just passed beacuse when i picked her up, she was still warm. I spent my entire lunch break crying and hugging her. Had her cremated last night. But that's another story, I'm going to start crying if I get into it any further and Im at work. Needless to say, yesterday was NOT a good day between that and me being panicked about Wowie. I agree I need to find a new vet and I have already made an appointment with a widely renouned(sp?) vet named Jennifer Saver. She was EXCELLENT with my rabbits and small animals and specializes in small animals and bigtime with cats. I can't believe I didn't think of it. I had to go to this vet I'm goign to because I've been going through a VERY rough time financially and they were the only vets who accepted care credit. I have some extra cash coming in now though and I want to go see her. She's calling me back this evening so I can talk to her before I go see her, about Wowie. From the caring and compassion she showed when my guinea pig Pipsqueak died, I have always felt comfortable with her. Her practice is called Catnip and Carrots and she specializes first and foremost in Cats and Rabbits, also sees other small animals. She does NOT see dogs. Anyhow I got an appointment for a second opinion with her on Saturday the 11th. I am actually excited to talk to her because I am sure she will be the one to care for Wowie's health as it should be and guide me on being a more knowledgeable and good guardian to Wowie just as you all have. Thank you SO much. NO, he did not say anything about grades of heart murmurs and I wouldn't have known anything about it if I hadn't read your posts. I will definitely keep you posted! Thank you SO much! Hugs, Rebecca
Heart Murmur
Well I took Wowie (Brooklyn) to the vet today for his eye infection, which I am now treating, and the dr said to me He's not neutered!! I said well, last I was here, I was told he was at more risk under anesthesia being FeLV+ so I am hesitant. Asked me if he was an indoor cat I said yes, he said his urine must stink. Actually, I said, he is very good with the litterbox and I keep it clean so, no. Like as if that's more important than his risks under anesthesia. THEN he tells me, He has a heart murmur. So i say out loud Even MORE of a reason for me not to put him under!!! Am I wrong not to neuter him? He's strictly indoor. Am I putting him at risk for more illness? Or am I playing it safe? So, now he has a heart murmur and I'm wondering why they didn't catch this OR the fact that they told me today that he has gingivitis, at his last visit a month and a half ago. They looked in his mouth and listened to his heart so what the heck? Dr says I need to have him get an echocardiogram. Said the murmur and the eye infection AND the gingivitis could be secondary to felv. I'm worried. But wowie is still happy and doing well, any words of advice/guidance? I have to start brushing his teeth too. Thanks Rebecca
Eye infection?
Hi Everyone- I think that Brooklyn AKA Wowie has an eye infection. I noticed he was squinting with his right eye this morning and then looked and it's all pink and swollen and teary. Anything I can do until I get to the vet? -Rebecca
Wendy touching base here
Hi everyone... It's been a while since I've had time to read through FeLVtalk posts and actually sit down and chat with all of you since I introduced myself and Brooklyn to you all a few months ago, but things have calmed down a bit and I wanted to touch base and say hello and that I haven't forgotton about all the wonderful pieces of advice, encouragement and support you gave me when Brooklyn first came into my life. Before I go ahead with what's been going on here, I wanted to say Wendy I am so sorry to hear about Cricket and the difficult time you have had with his passing. I can understand how you feel. Have you ever visited the rainbow bridge website? There are a lot of poems and also forums and literature for people who are mourning the loss of their animal friends. Maybe that will help you a little bit. I am not sure why you think Cricket would be angry at you as I did not read the beginning of the story, but if you loved him even half as much as comes through in your email, I am SURE that a lifetime of things you did for him and the love you gave him was more than enough to overcome anything you could have done to cause him to be angry with you. Animals are very forgiving. They have a capacity to forgive more than any human being I have ever known. My gosh, when I was medicating Brooklyn he HATED me so much, but would forgive me so shortly after and still loves me even after that whole traumatic period and he trusts me too. I wish you all the best in your journey towards healing and obtaining closure with Cricket and his passing. I'm here if you need someone to talk to as I'm sure everyone else is too. Brooklyn has become known around our home as Wowie. I just started calling him this because when he meows he actually sounds like he is saying WOW and it kind of stuck. Brooklyn is still his formal name, but round here we call him Wowie. lol. He responds very well to it. As some of you may know, he is my first experience with a cat ever. I never knew a thing about cats or their personality, but heard so many people say they didn't like cats. I'd heard they were stand offish and unpredictable, but hey there are people who are like that too, so I guess it's all about personality. Well, as for Wowie, I can say, he has NO problem expressing his affection, playfulness and love towards me and my dogs. He is the mushiest cat I can imagine. He is so full of purrs, just when he is near me, I don't even have to touch him. Apparently, he does believe that my life revolves around him (ok maybe it does but he doesnt have to KNOW that...lol) because when I get up, he thinks I get up for the purpose of feeding him, when I get home from work he thinks I'm coming home because he needs food. The second I come into view, he runs to the kitchen counter and waits and meows for me to feed him. As if to say I'm here waiting...as soon as you're ready.lol. He hasn't shown any signs of illness or anything that would lead me to believe he had any illness or condition at all. He has been robust and healthy and boy oh boy is he playful and cute. I've heard people say that cats are unresponsive..uh uh not this one! He comes 90% of the time when I call him...better than the dogs! AND he answers me to let me know he's on his way. Wowie!!! and I make kissing noises...then I hear his bell jingling and just as he enters the room i hear Wowww and he hops on the bed next to me, walks over nuzzles me, marks me, rolls on me, kneads me, walks all over me and even licks me. What does that mean when a cat licks you? Purring is nonstop when he does this. He's a big purrer. lol. and he purrs loud! Anyhow I'm sorry for my rambling and my banter about all this, I'm still a new cat person and am learning about him every day. I read some books on cat behavior to try and learn but he surprises me every day with something new. I love him so much. His appetite is TREMENDOUS. I am absolutely in love with this cat 100%. Remember when I wasn't sure whether he would stay or not? How could I even question it! lol. Anyhow, thats the update on Brooklyn/Wowie. I hope I didn't put you all to sleep with my novel. Hope all is very well with everyone. Oh and Michelle...thanks for dropping me a line! Hugs Rebecca Brooklyn Wowie
Re: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 11, Issue 83
Hi Everyone- I haven't been around much because I've been doing a lot of engagement and wedding planning for my sister who just got engaged and haven't had a chance to read through things going on with all of you. I just wanted to touch base and say that I hope everyone is well, and just let everyone know that Brooklyn is doing well. He didn't seem to be getting better from the diarrhea even with the meds I was giving, so towards the end of his treatment I decided because I had read it in an article...that I would let his stomach settle and not feed him for 24 hours. Well either the meds kicked in or the fasting helped, because he had solid cat poops the very next day. He's happy, but also very bratty and fresh! I'm still learning to understand cat behavior, we were cuddling and he was purring and I was petting him and then he just turned and bit me. I couldn't really understand why, but as I understand it sometimes they just have enough and if you don't read the warning signs, they let ya know with a good bite that they've had it. He's also been a horrible beggar! To the point that he meows loudly and demandingly and tries to knock food right out of my hands and off my plate. I have to admit it's entertaining, but it does get to be a bit difficult to eat and sometimes makes me feel he needs a lesson on manners. lol. I know he was a stray and can see too when I feed him that he CHARGES for the food as if it's the only meal he might have. Can anyone explain the biting to me a little further and also, whats the whole health issue with cat bites/scratches? The bite punctured skin and hurt a LOT and its taking a long time to heal. Any info/advice etc? He's so cute. climbs into bed and snuggles up against me and is always rubbing up against my face when it's bedtime. he's quite a character. Anyhow...thats the ramble for now. Hope all is well with everyone. Thanks for everything! -Rebecca
Brooklyn
Hi Everyone...been so busy haven't been on list for a bit. My sister is getting married and things are hectic here and there. Just wanted to update everyone who has been so helpful and encouraging with Brooklyn. He is doing well. I finally got up the strength and into a routine of giving him his meds. It's been almost a week and he is doing better. No more vomiting, but all he wants to eat now is dry food. Not interested in the canned food anymore, I think it's because he's afraid there's going to be nasty stuff in it since I tried to hide the meds in it. His poopies (that's the professional term we use around here) are becoming more solid, no more liquid poops. That's happening slowly but surely and guess whatI moved the litterbox to where he kept going on the floor, and he's been using the litterbox CONSISTENTLY! He was just trying to tell me THIS is where the potty should beif it's not where it should be, I'm goin here anyway lol. I have to say I'm totally entertained by his bad manners. LOL. He begs for food WORSE than the dogs do! He stole a french fry from my plate! I sit at a snack table and eat since it's just me, and he reaches up with his paw and tries to knock it off the table. If he can't get it or I'm eating he just meows incessantly until i give him SOMETHING. And if I don't pay attention to his begging, he paws ME! Today he wanted biscuits. The cat is hilarious. He is so cuddly it's amazing. He needs a bath though. How would I do that? I know from experience that cats aren't too fond of baths (I used to work in a grooming department and have a NASTY scar from a cat who didn't want a bath that day). Anyway, other than that, no other news except that I asked for the roomba for xmas. It just sounded so great. LOL. Happy Holidays everyone and hug your kitties for us here in furball wonderland. :) Hugs Rebecca
meds
Hi Everyonejust an update and a question. First question...how much does that Roomba cost? That sounds AWESOME! With a kitty, two rabbits, one who LOVES to kick her litter all over the place and 2 dogs that shed enough to make another dog, that would be AWESOME! Secondly, not a question but...YAY! I successfully gave Brooklyn his medication 3x already. Yesterday he got me, bit me but accidentally i think, then this morning he seemed to not fight as much, but he was also wrapped in my blankets. He was quick to forgive me this time and I feel as though he's getting used to it because he usually would sulk afterwards and today he just ran into the kitchen and asked for breakfast. So his appetite is back and even after he's been traumatized! The issue though, is that he tries to spit it out. He gurgles it up and drools out the meds. I feel so bad, it must taste SO awful. The dr gave me Flagyl/Albon mix in one and decided against the famitadine i have no idea how to spell that but I know you guys get it. Anyway, so Brooklyn is not so much opposed to me opening his mouth, he's good at that now, but as soon as he feels the syringe go into his mouth and he gets a taste of the meds, that's when he struggles. It really must taste disgusting. So, this morning I opened his mouth and tried not to touch the syringe to his mouth before squeezing it and carefully squeezed it into the back of his throat. He didn't spit up quite so much this time. He still has diarrhea but isn't throwing up anymore which, looking at him, seemed to take a LOT out of him. He seemed a little dehydrated yesterday but had plenty of water last night. Actually, he was drinking a lot. Is that a bad thing or a good thing? He was at the water bowl for a good few minutes or so. This morning he was out on the couch lounging in the sunlight coming in through the window. Never did that before. Guess he is feeling more comfortable. I'm glad to see that. So, we're doing better. :) Thanks for listening everyone and thanks so much for all your support! hugs, Rebecca
Re: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 10, Issue 242
LOL MaryChristine- You are too funny. You know us New Yawkas. LOL. Actually they just put up a sign as you leave Brooklyn, heading towards the Verrezanno bridge that says Now Leaving Brooklyn...Fugghetaboutit LOL. My boyfriend actually named him. We spent a lot of time in Brooklyn in the beginning of our relationship and it has special meaning to us because there are so many places we went that hold memories...and to him it's also significant because he has family history there. He's a huge genalogy buff. lol. More on that romance another time. lol Well, Brooklyn's a tough cat only when it comes to meds otherwise he's a little mushenberry. I think he's upset at me though. Since I started medicating him (or trying to) he's been distant and not cuddling with me at bedtime, of course I'm sure he doesn't feel well either and that's part of it. He of course always accepts head scratching. That's his favorite. I pick him up and hug him and just walk around with him so that he knows that not EVERY time he gets picked up does it mean meds. Poor little guy. 10 more days of this! He took his meds this morning, but not without getting in a nice bite on my hand which i think was just an accident, him trying to bite down and close his mouth. I GOTTA do the scruff thing. I'm nervous and I think that makes things more difficult. He actually scares me a little when he wails and starts flailing about...I admit it. Anyhow, I'll get better at this, I HAVE TO! Hugggsss Rebecca Message: 5 Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 06:24:34 -0500 From: TenHouseCats [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: medicating Brooklyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 one of my bengal friends, who's on daily heart meds, SWEARS by the 3-fishy-flavor compounding flavor--he's nowhere near as fond of the other choices and i can't believe i was a catmom for more than 15 years before someone taught me about scruffing wonder how much of his attitude is his name? them brooklyn folks can be tough! (yes, it's a joke--first cup of coffee and all that) -- MaryChristine
going to the vet
Thank you to everyone for your advice. You're all so awesome and wonderful. Nina thanks so much for the encouragement and support. I feel better today, but am still upset that I can't treat him and that he's feeling so awful. It breaks my heart. I called the vet today to ask about other alternatives and someone there said they're not available in liquid form, which Patti, you told me they were and I believe you over them! So, I wrote a letter to the vet and faxed him asking about alternatives including liquid form, injectable and transdermal. Well, another vet called me back who I've seen with my dogs and said that if he is still vomiting, to bring him in and that he may have to be hospitalized so they can give him injectable meds. Why can't I do this? I think Brooklyn has been through enough already! Nina thanks for the pointers on calming him about being handled. He wasn't afraid of being handled, in fact he's very good about being touched, petted, cuddled, held etc. But not after being tortured by me He just looks miserable curled up on the bed...he looks as though he feels so ill. And I'm sure he does. Well I made an appt to see the vet at 530 because I need to get him going on meds. Wish me luck and please give me any advice or pointers you think I might need before giong to the vet. ANy questions I should ask? Things I should be wary of? Thank you everyone!!! hugs Rebecca
medicating Brooklyn
Well... i got to the vet hospital and they said your appt is for thursday! i said no, this is important to do now, so i have to see someone now, i said my cat is sick and needs medication that I can't give him so I have to see someone about it he cant go on like this he feels terrible. The girl was SO nice and i saw the head honcho vet who is always impossible to get an appt with. He showed me how to adminster meds and i said you make it look so easy (he did this with liquid form) and the vet tech then showed me a way and told me instead of a towel, to sit on the bed with the comforter aroudn him. She said i could also put him in his carrier and this way he has no where to go but that looked a little harder. They showed me how to hold his head and said not to be afraid to hold the scruff. I think I'm too easy, I need to be more assertive and let him know he has to do this...ITS FOR HIS OWN GOOD! Lol now i really sound like a mom! Well, I wanted to be sure I could do it, so I tried holding him the way she showed me an he was pretty good. They did agree though that he's a tough one. They were able to get in the meds, but he spit some out! So it was as if he were like FINE! you got me but im just gonna spit it out! THERE! lol. Well, they gave me a 1cc syringe but they had used the fatter one, and i said hey this looks like a lot more, i know it's not but i have to put a whole syringe in while the other one looks like less and goes faster (no way i was gonna push that skinny plunger alll the way down) so i said gimme the fat one. it will go quicker. So they gave me both. LOL. Patti, the dr told me that both met. and famitidone or however you spell it both only come in IV...though he looked kind of unsure of that...i think he didnt think i could inject. I said listen, i want to do whatever i have to do to treat him at home. I do not want him in the hospital. If i have to inject him, I will do it, and you can show me how. Well he gave me that story and said he would flavor it with some fish taste (YUCK!) and make it liquid. So, no more pills! they did give him a pill no problem though...looked so easy! It's the front legs. Someone needs to hold his front legs! so I'm going to try the comforter and quick syringe tomorrow. Wish me luck. At least they gave him a nice dose at the vets for today. He ate dinner. Yay! The vet said...that he is eating is a god sign. Yay! So day by dayday by day. Hugs...i love everyone here already...and if you didn't guess it already...im a huge mushy sentimental person so beware of the occasional emotional outbursts. LOL! Brooklyn says THANKS A LOT EVERYONE lol but really he means thank you. lol hugs Rebecca
litter/Pills
Has anyone heard of Cat Attract Litter? http://www.preciouscat.com/WebPages/catattract.html I just read about this on a kitty behavior page. The website owner swears by it. Not the manufacturer, a person with cats. lol. Patti I do happen to have a mortar and pestle. Yay! =) Rebecca
Re: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 10, Issue 211
Hey Kerry- veggiepugs = Rebecca...lol. Hey Kerry if you're interested in starting an online vegan group with me, we can make one on yahoo groups or you can join one of the many already there. http://linusnlucy.com/Food.html That's the page on my website with the photo and a discussion of feeding dogs a vegan diet. Scroll down to the bottom to see the photo. There's also a photo on a shirt I've seen that has a dog sitting on a plate with the knife and fork alongside it and underneath it says: Why not? You eat other animals don't you? =) Rebecca Message: 2 Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2005 09:40:58 -0600 From: MacKenzie, Kerry N. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: Pills and Vegetarianism (separate topics...lol) To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Thanks veggiepugs---sorry, haven't found your actual moniker yet! It's interesting for me that we're having this ongoing discussion now as I just recently began getting involved with the Chicago vegan group. I wonder how we start a separate list? I would love (just to stir things up) to have a set of plates with the pic and caption you mention: picture of a cat and a pig looking at each other and underneath, the caption says You call one a pet, and the other foodWhy? Actualy, I'd have a ballon from a smiling cat saying, I'm a cuddly pet, followed by one from a sad pig saying And I'm food---why? Kerry
Garfunkle
Hideyo- I am sorry to hear about Garfunkle, but glad to know that you were granted that extra time with him to say your goodbyes and send him off to his new life. That was a very touching email. You sound like a very special person that Garfunkle and every one of your kitties is lucky to have. Hugs to you... Rebecca
Impossible
Ok either I'm completely moronic or my cat is a superhero. I can NOT do any of the things suggested to give him a pill. I don't know what to do, I'm so frustrated I'm on the verge of tears. Tried crushing in food...he won't eat. Tried giving orally, he spit it out, scratched and bit me...tried crushing and syringing, he scratched me and freaked out again...tried wrapping him in a towel, putting on gloves and then syringing...he just used his back feet to kick and scratch and regurgitated it all and spit it out, followed by kicking the mortar and pestle off the counter wasting the rest of what was left for him to take. I now have a burning cat scratch on my hand, a very upset cat who won't come near me and wasted medicine. I can't even call the vet because they're closed. He STILL has diarrhea really bad, not vomiting and has an appetite but the diarrhea NEEDS treatment. I came home 2x today and found 3 puddles of diarrhea in my foyer. I finally got a stool sample to get to the vet, but what good is it if I can't even medicate my own cat!!! WHAT DO I DO!! I am SO frustrated and upset. -Rebecca
Sigh...
Thank you everyone for your replies to my cries! lol. I was really upset. I'm so upset that he's sick and doesn't feel well, but won't take the pill. I tried explaining it to him, and told him how sorry I was...he ran away a few times and then when he was comfortable again he let me come back and pet and cuddle with him and he purred. I talked it over with him but I don't think he'll be receptive to the idea ever again. lol. Are they more receptive to shots than syringe? Forget the turkey juice, he wont even LOOK at the syringe much less let it near him. In a panic at 915 I called Petco (my LAST resort EVER) as one of the retailers listed for pill pockets. This week is a rough week as far as extra cash goes, I've had to stretch it a LONG ways. The site said and for only 4 or 5 dollars! yea right, I walk into Petco and THEY'RE selling them for 11 bucks for the bags sold for under 5 online! I yelped to the lady who helped me find them Holy crap! Eleven dollars! These are 4 bucks online! I walked out astounded and ran to look for them elsewhere. I couldnt find them anywhere else, by the time I'd gone, it was too late they were closed so i got some soft cat treats thinking I could shove the pills into the treat (which I was able to) but he turned his nose up at them. Sigh. Jenn, i did try sitting on him, but again, as you said, there's the problem with there being just me and no one to help with the front legs. At least not every day. I only see my boyfriend on weekends so the rest of the week would be shot. :( I'll call the vet tomorrow and discuss other options. Maybe I will have him boarded for treatment. I dunno. I hate having animals at the vet even for just that. I'm such a baby. I cried my eyes out when I had to leave Linus overnight. Of course he was having surgery under anesthesia so I was a MESS. If only I could describe his expression and behavior when we went to pick him up. I'll never forget it. (As he sits here with his head and front paws on my lap my little puggy. I call him babyhead because his head is so little and he looks like a baby pup. lol.) Gosh my emails are really long. Does everyone wanna kill me yet? lol. Thanks so much everyone. I was so distressed. I dont want him to be sick anymore. I'm so worried and I hate stressing him out. I cry easy when I get overwhelmed at things like this so I was a little over the edge earlier. Anyhow, tomorrow's a new day and I can speak with the vet. Hugs, Rebecca
Pills
Patti- Not sure if it's spelled with an I or a Y i forgot to look before I wrote back...lol. Anyhow, yes I definitely need them in liquid form, this is IMPOSSIBLE. Pills are flying everywhere when he shakes his head and im getting bitten and scratched by a sweet cat! He took the liquid form of the clavimox that I gave him when he first got here so I know I can do that. THANK YOU. I'm calling the vet monday! -Rebecca
Pills and Vegetarianism (separate topics...lol)
Warning...this is a LONG one and mostly about vegetarianism/animal activism. But first... Thanks for that note on the Native American poem...I'm going to look for that. Nina- That's my favorite veterinary resource Marvistavet! Thanks for that link. That's how I tried it but the problem was, I couldn't restrain his feet with one hand while giving him the pill with the other and he reached up and scratched me and while I was putting the pill in his mouth, he bit down on my hand. I just thought of something that was recommended with my guinea pigs and wonder if it would work, but it is kind of mean, though any way you give a pill is going to be to the cat...It was suggested that I wrap my guinea pig in a towel...Maybe if I wrap him in a towel to hold his feet back, that might work. Then again, he'll probably figure out a way to get out. LOL. I'm calling the vet tomorrow for liquid form and see about that. Now... Tonya (is that right?) about the whole vegan/vegetarian discussion...You put things very well. It is so true that people turn a blind eye to satisfy a craving. Many of my friends who are of Christian Faith question me and test me about my decisions not to eat meat. They disagree with me and believe that animals were put here for our use. Even though it's no longer necessary. What strikes me is that one of the basic tenets of Christian religion is thou shalt not give into temptation but somehow, where eating and using animals is concerned, that doesn't seem to apply. (I hope I'm not offending anyone here...my apologies if I have). I think though, that animals are considered by many Christians, not to have souls or be of importance in the kingdom of Heaven. But aren't all animals God's creatures? This, I struggle to understand. My boyfriend is of pretty strong Protestant belief, but he doesn't give me a hard time about it. He really and truly loves animals and he admires me for my decisions, and even tells everyone how cool I am about it because I'm not a fanatic or pushing it in people's faces. But, he too, doesn't make the connection between the animals at home and the animals on his plate. On one of my websites I have a picture of a cat and a pig looking at each other and underneath, the caption says You call one a pet, and the other foodWhy? Recently a friend of mine saw that, and hasn't eaten meat for a week. For him, that made the connection. I don't know if he'll stick to it, but at least he is trying and at least for him, something has clicked. As you said...any little bit makes a difference. I know 2 people who actually worked in the animal industry and became vegan as a result of it. One, is the mad cowboy, who i don't know personally...and the other is a man named Virgil Butler, who I've spoken to quite a few times. He used to work for Tyson chicken and one day, something finally snapped and as he watched his fellow co- workers mistreat the chickens and watched the process of how they come to be the food on our plates. He actually went up against Tyson in court in a lawsuit. If you're interested in reading about him, he's known as the cyberactivist. Just google that. It'll come up. There is a book called Dominion by Matthew Scully and it's about animal exploitation and thoughts and philosophies about it. He was a former speech writer for President Bush and a conservative Republican who is a vegetarian/vegan and gets teased of course by his colleagues. But honestly, I think anyone who cares about animals needs to read this book. It is life altering and really makes you think. Whether you're a veg or not. If you love animals. Read this book. It is well written, intelligent, makes wonderful and logical points, gets you to think and can change your life. It changed mine. It was the best book I have ever read. One of the points he made, which was blunt as could be, was: ...let us just call things what they are. When a man's love of finery clouds his moral judgement, that is vanity. When he lets a demanding palate make his moral choices, that is gluttony. When he ascribes the divine will to his own whims, that is pride. And when he gets angry at being reminded of animal suffering that his own daily choices might help avoid, that is moral cowardice. ~Matthew Scully Harsh as that may be, it does hold some merit. I think. But it's what many people have to do. I don't begrudge people their decisions to follow what is a traditional and long standing way of life. To choose the route of vegetarianism or veganism is life altering. But not as much, or in the way that one might think. It is very painful to recognize the actual reality of the animal industry and to make the connection. It's not something many people can handle. God, I remember when I first started venturing out into the world of vegetarianism and animal activism I was outraged, disgusted, saddened and angry at what goes on. For a long time i was angry
Re: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 10, Issue 203
Hah..I just read this about the towel...lol...after I wrote back to a previous post...i should read thru everything before i reply but once again im impatient...lol I also have a syringe...from when I had guinea pigs and had to syringe feed the sick ones. :( Definitely going to try that! Thank you SO much for all the tips! This is GREAT! Hugs Rebecca One other tip that might work today, Rebecca. You might try crushing the pill into powder, and then put it in a little bit of water or tuna water, and by little bit, I mean like a cc. A medicine cup usually works best for mixing such a small amount. Then draw it all up in a syringe and have it ready. While holding Brooklyn in a towel, open the side of his mouth where his back teeth don't quite meet. Put the syringe in that little spot, and tilt his head back and squirt. He will struggle, but hold firmly. Even if he gags a little, you will get some down. If he bites down, he can only bite the syringe. That way you don't have to get liquid and have pills you will never ever use again, and have wasted money. I bet the liquid won't taste any better than the pill, anyway. You can get a syringe from the pharmacy. I watched my vet give a pill to my cat once, with a wand thing with a slot at the end to hold the pill. It was over in a half a second! I don't even think the cat realized it had taken a pill! Anybody use those before? Let us know what happens. He will be mad, but not for long. Sandy
Brooklyn's vet visit
Well, Brooklyn went to the vet today for an exam and to see about the G.I. issues he's been having since last night. Dr. said that there's no way he could know whether the diarrhea and vomiting are just a GI upset or if it's FeLV causing it. FeLV is so confusing. He just explained it all to me and it helped some but the more he talked about it, the more my brain fried. Brooklyn was feeling a little better late around 2am as he asked for food and then wanted breakfast this morning which he was sure to rush me on. The vet says he looks good, he didn't feel any masses or see anything clearly wrong with Brooklyn and said he was going to treat these symptoms the same way he would with any other cat. So, he gave me Flagyl and Fimotidine. I know what Flagyl is for but I'm about to look up the other one. I had so many questions that I was still asking more as the vet was walking out the door. There was so much information flying at me all at once that I think I need a nap now. lol. He also said that Brooklyn COULD possibly be younger than 5 as he doesnt see any tartar/plaque on his teeth really and he's also small but said that could be as a result of being a stray. He said that he would absolutely recommend that I get him neutered so as to prevent any other possible conditions for the FeLV to cause and he said something about helping to ease stress by calming his hormones, something to that effect. He said he is more at risk than a healthy kitten without FeLV but he said the procedure literally takes 5 minutes from start to finish and that if Brooklyn gets better from this in 3-4 weeks he would definitely suggest that. He said he also recommends at least some 5 in one vaccine for Brooklyn which I don't understand if he's an indoor cat. He said rabies is mandatory by state law but that he doesn't vaccinate his cats for it (he told me not to tell so shhh...lol). So, I have questions for all you wonderful knowledgable FeLV+ cat parents. 1. Should I vaccinate and if so which yes and which no? 2. Should I neuter? The vet gave what I felt was a good argument, so I'm leaning towards yes. 3. Are these medications ok for him to take? 4. Should I have had him retested for FeLV+ again? 5. Someone mentioned a specific kind of anesthesia but i couldn't remember what it was to ask about it. Anyone? So, we don't know if these symptoms are FeLV related but he said the only thing I can do is watch and see. If it is, he said he will probably feel sick on and off until finally he doesn't get well. :( But he said that could be 2 weeks from now, 2 months from now or 10 years from now and there's no way to tell. He said doubtful 2 weeks based on his overall appearance and exam. Anyhow, that's all for now. Any and all information is so appreciated. Thanks so much everyone! Hugs, Rebecca B-man
Re: Brooklyn's vet visit
Oh and PS Brooklyn gained 3.5 pounds.
Brooklyn again
Thank you SO much to EVERYONE who gave their opinions. I think it is so important to get every viewpoint possible because it always gives me more to think about, and helps me to think of things I otherwise would not have. And even if some of the ideas are opposing or just slightly different, I like to have ALL the information I can. I like to gather from all directions and utilize everyone's input, because everyone's experience is unique to them. Who knows! The tiniest thing can end up being coincidental and I would be glad to have known it. Anyhow, Brooklyn isn't interested in the food I just gave him with his meds. The vet did seem very knowledgable about FeLV because I initially called him the day after I took brooklyn home. He's new at the hospital I go to, a very young doctor. In any case, I had just called the hospital and told them to have a dr call me back that I could speak to about cats. He spent a GOOD deal of time answering my good and dumb questions and was so informative and patient. I told him how much I appreciated that. Because he sounded so knowledgable about it, I wanted to come and see him. So we did. He was so nice to Brooklyn, talked to him and snuggled him, petted him. I like that. I hate when vets are cold and so abrupt. Especially with a fragile animal. They need comfort and calming. Anyhow, he said he would treat this as a reg. GI infec IN CASE that's what it was he wants to nip it in the bud. The pepcid type pill certainly can't hurt, but Sandy, I hope that the Flagyl doesn't. He also said he doesn't want to think about vaccines or neutering until Brooklyn is back on his feet and feeling and looking good. So, right now its about treating what we see. Yes he did want a fecal but I didn't get one in time for the visit. He gave me a tube and told me to get one and bring it over so he can do one. As far as the isoflourine, yes I know of it, I read of it when I was researching spaying my rabbit. I asked every vet what they used and if they didn't say isoflourine on a rabbit, I went to another vet because I knew they hadn't been up to date on rabbit healthcare. I went through about 4 vets until I found the ABSOLUTE best vet which, DUH I just remembered, she sees cats too! her practice is called Catnip Carrots and she specializes in rabbits/guinea pigs and Cats. Cats primarily. Boy am I dumb. But see...talking these things out is what helps us to come up with answers! Anyhow, thank you to EVERYONE for all your viewpoints. I appreciate them all because they are given out of caring. Hugs to all of you! -Rebecca Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Hi All- Well, tomorrow is Brooklyn's vet visit and just today he suddenly started feeling sick. He was fine yesterday. He has diarrhea, has been vomiting and is lethargic and not eating. I'm not happy, but at least we are seeing the vet tomorrow. This all worries me of course, but I don't want to jump to any conclusions before seeing the vet and in the meantime he is still up for cuddling and I will do that all of tonight with him. I think I read very briefly here that someone lost their kitty. I am so very sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you. Sending Hugs Rebecca
Supplements...Thanks Kerry! (more questions)
OMG Thank you SO much Kerry! That was SO great! EXACTLY what I needed, I love when people put things in a nice neat format that I can print out and refer to. (I sound OCD don't I? I'm not really...ok maybe a little). That's getting printed up and put on my fridge. Maybe even in a frame! (just kidding).lol. Pet Guard issold in Fairway supermarket right near my office. Fairway is LIKE Wholefoods, but not as big. I wish I had a Wholefoods near me. The closest one is such a pain to get to and in such a busy area. Is the Petguard kibble good quality as well? And what other canned foods do you or anyone else recommend? Is wellness canned good? Why do you mix the two? What about Innova? Of those supplements you listed, which are the most essential to give? Which should be the core? Is bottled spring water the same as filtered? And if I boil water is that the same as filtered water? So many questions! lol. Thanks for answering! Hugs, Rebecca Brooklyn
Re: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 10, Issue 166
Is L-Lysin the same as Lysine HCL 500mg?
Re: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 10, Issue 173
Funny you should say that...that's the story I got the concept from. It's called One Makes A Difference. So cool that you know that. ;) I read it in Chicken Soup for the Soul -Rebecca Wendy's remarks brought to mind an old story I heard in church once: An old man was walking along the beach after a storm. The beach was FULL of thousands of star fish. Eventually he came upon two small children running up and down the beach, picking up starfish and flinging them back into the ocean. The man said to the two children, What are you doing? You can't possibly save them all, what difference do all your efforts make? One of the children replied...Wellit makes all the difference in the world to the ones we save.
Re: New Member
Jenn you are so funny with the hairball stuff...lol. I like how you forewarned me before telling me what it was. LOL. Patti, that's so cool to meet another Vegan here! I've been kicked off lists for just being one, there are some who I have found to be very intolerant of it. That's why I was hesitant to mention it, but wanted to get it out there. Wow you grew up in Brooklyn? What part? No, you are not overwhelming me with information I am SO grateful to have this resource. Brooklyn certainly doesn't have ringworm because I don't see any hairloss anywhere. I have been from vet, to vet, to vet and so on...for my animals, because I am VERY picky about them and rightly so. I had a huge bone to pick with my last vet because she gave my dogs a vaccine I didn't approve of when we had just discussed my concern over certain vaccines. She said it was included in the shot she gave them and apologized, but still! Other vets have just been plain NON receptive to having discussions with me about my concerns. I happen to think I'm a very knowledgeable guardian or at least I try to be, but he treated me like I wasn't worth talking to because either A. He thought I couldn't possibly understand or B. Because he didn't want to take the time. Either way, didn't like it and left him. Moved on to a holistic vet. Now he's pretty great, I use him when I need that type of advice, but for routine exams and visits I go to another vet. Holistic vet is VERY pricey. Great vet though. I switched to a practice near my home where there are several vets to choose from who have great reputations. Their scope of practice is also not limited like many are. They have a wide variety of vets with various specialties etc. Well, I called there to have someone call me back about FeLV as soon as Brooklyn moved in with us and the newest vet there called me back. He was SO kind and informative about FeLV and told me that he doesn't believe an FeLV cat should be put to sleep if he is healthy, that he can live a healthy life for a good while if he is healthy. He gave me so much information on FeLV, some that I had actually read already so I was glad to hear him reiterating it. He was receptive to every single question I asked he answered honestly. I actually thanked him for being so helpful and willing to speak with me (for a half hour) and told him how it was hard for me to find a vet I could talk to. So, Brooklyn and I are going to see him on Saturday. And yes, I can ask him just to evaluate and not persue treatment just yet. I have no problem with that. When it comes to keeping records and writing things down I'm pretty good at that. I bring a whole accordian file with me to the vet with all Linus Lucy's information and take notes and ask for copies of the records. Yes I'm a little OCD about that. LOL. Thanks for the info on the cat toys. Yes that string is kept away when I am not home, but good point on the bell. He doesn't seem to be interested in the fluffy ball and felt mouse I got him just yet, but I think it's just because he wants me to play with him. It's no fun without a partner! lol. Can I say once again how great this cat is? ok he's so great! He sleeps so peacefully and deeply, this morning I actually startled him awake when I petted him and said good morning, he kind of jumped a little and meowed at me. I think that was the best sleep he's had in a while! When I let the dogs outside, he doesn't even seem interested in going out, hasn't tried to run out once. I figured he'd dart for the door and have been careful to watch him, but nope...no interest. As far as food goes, those are also brands that I recommend for dogs (obviously that are not vegan). Wellness is great as well as all the others. I have almost all of those at a local dog/cat supply store (i hate pet stores). I will pick up some Wellness for him asap. He isn't overweight (yet...lol) but he has gained weight. I am so glad to see him looking and acting healthy. I really think this was meant to be. There he was waiting for me outside my office. I love him! About me, as you all know I'm vegan, really dedicated to my animals, I'm 30, live alone and have a wonderful boyfriend who absolutely adores animals as much as I do (my ex boyfriend told me he refused to live in a dog hotel!!!). I am involved in pug rescue, although I have taken some time off because it was a very very busy and overwhelming year for me. Lots of dogs surrendered in my area. I work as an audiologist but wish I could make a living just cuddling with my animal babies. Wouldn't that be great? lol. I've been called wacky and weird,which, actually, considering the standard of 'normal', I take as a compliment...lol, but I have the best of intentions and would do anything for the people and animals I love. Got to get back to work. Have I overwhelmed all of you with my blabber?? Thank you SO much for having me, for being so welcoming
Re: New Member
Actually, DUH I have links to Brooklyn's Photos I can share...I forgot... http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1284.JPG http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1283.JPG http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1282.JPG http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1281.JPG and here's my doggies website... http://www.linusnlucy.com enjoy! -Rebecca
Re: Welcome Rebecca
Wow, I can't believe there are other vegans here. I hardly ever meet any. As far as carrots go, my pugs also go NUTS over them. They also go nuts over brussels sprouts. Go figure. lol. Lucy loves to eat, she'd eat the whole apartment if it were edible. Sometimes she is so stubborn to come inside that I have to yell CARROT! or COOKIE! and THEN she comes FLYING back inside. I love animals. They make life so interesting and fun. lol. Well, your boyfriend is luckier than mine was at the time. He's gone now. Got the boot. LOL. Actually it was otherwise related, but still, any guy who doesn't love animals like I do...there's gonna be a problem. They don't have to be vegan but they sure do have to love furkids, and my guy now is a gem. He is so gentle. ANYWAY...thank you for the welcome Michelle. I look forward to sharing more about Brooklyn as we adjust and bond more with each other. Where is everyone from by the way? I'm from NY and live in Long Island. I just called about Innova and they have it at my local supply store. $11 and change for a 6 lb bag. Reasonable? I know everything is expensive in NY so I wouldn't be surprised if that's expensive. -Rebecca ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Welcome Rebecca Sent: Nov 22 '05 11:43 Hi Rebecca Welcome to group. I too am 30 and vegan although I work in Psychology not audiology. My animals are not vegan although my dog goes mad for carrots. All 3 of my dogs went mad for carrots but I only have 1 left now - the others had to be put to sleep due to old age related ailments. In fact when my boy Deano was here he had about 6 teeth out so we had to cook his carrots so they were soft following the operation. Then about 2 weeks later I caught him pinching a big raw carrot out of the bag and he lay for about 20 mins patiently grinding the carrot down with his front teeth - bless him. The vet prescribed carrots for Gemma who needed to lose weight at the time and all 3 got hooked. Now I only have Candy left of my dogs but she is still as hooked - we just give her a carrot to keep her quiet now. Your comment about your ex boyfriend made me laugh too. My boyfriend would not have another pet when our recue Cat tidge died (unexpected FIV related illnesses) so I moved back home with my parents and took in 3 immune compromised cats from the sanctuary. We are still together but just don't see each other much nor live together which I prefer. I too wish I could afford to just cuddle up with the fur babies full time and dedicate my whole time to being a full time animal mother. Michelle, Minstrel, Buddy Angel Bramble
litterboxes
I was reading about covered litterboxes. What size are the largest that come with a cover? Does anyone have problems with their dog thinking cat poop is an appetizer? I've heard that lots of dogs are intrigued by cat poo. Ew. Don't know what would make them attracted to it. Ew again. I'll try to find a bigger covered litterbox if you know the dimensions of the largest one you know of so far. ;) Rebecca
Re: Welcome Rebecca
Yes, it is very common when feeding cats a vegan diet, that they get UTI's as a result of an improper PH balance. Vegancats.com therefore sells a product called Enzymes PH which helps and I think is great for any cat vegan or not that suffers w. UTI issues. If anyone's interested in the supplements they sell, they have a few good ones, ur cat doesn't have to be vegan to use them. lol. check them out... http://vegancats.com/pages/1153/Dietary_Supplements.htm I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your doggies. My heart aches for you. I would be the same. I feed my dogs Evolution vegan dog food canned and kibble. they LOVE it. And they are extremely healthy, in fact, in comparison to a lot of other pugs we know (i belong to a pug group on LI) they have exceptionally beautiful coats and are in good shape, whereas many pugs are overweight and have skin problems that we know. I tried once to switch them to another food, but Lucy's stomach did not do well on it. So, Evolution it is. Plus carrots, brussels sprouts, mr barkey's and mr pugsley's treats. lol. Thanks for sharing! -Rebecca ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Welcome Rebecca Sent: Nov 22 '05 12:22 I'm vegan too. And I think Del is also. My dogs, when they were alive, went crazy for broccoli stems. We called them broccoli bones because they would run off to their beds, lay with them between their paws, and eat them like bones. They all died in the last 1.5 years, and to this day we can not cook broccoli. We tried last week, but when my partner Gray cut the stems off he started crying and said he still can not cook with it. It was such a ritual of cutting the stems off and calling to the dogs to come get them. Two of our dogs were vegan ate Wysong Vegan dry food) for most of their lives, but the third ate food with meat because she was on diet food. At the end they all ate meat because two had cancer and we read that they should not have much carbs. I once tried the Wysong Vegan, which says it is feline and canine, with a cat, but he got urinary crystals right away, and the same happened with a friend's cats, so I never tried it again. I would be afraid to try to feed my positives vegan anyway. Michelle In a message dated 11/22/2005 12:14:54 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Wow, I can't believe there are other vegans here. I hardly ever meet any. As far as carrots go, my pugs also go NUTS over them. They also go nuts over brussels sprouts. Go figure. lol. Lucy loves to eat, she'd eat the whole apartment if it were edible. Sometimes she is so stubborn to come inside that I have to yell CARROT! or COOKIE! and THEN she comes FLYING back inside. I love animals. They make life so interesting and fun. lol. Well, your boyfriend is luckier than mine was at the time. He's gone now. Got the boot. LOL. Actually it was otherwise related, but still, any guy who doesn't love animals like I do...there's gonna be a problem. They don't have to be vegan but they sure do have to love furkids, and my guy now is a gem. He is so gentle. ANYWAY...thank you for the welcome Michelle. I look forward to sharing more about Brooklyn as we adjust and bond more with each other. Where is everyone from by the way? I'm from NY and live in Long Island. I just called about Innova and they have it at my local supply store. $11 and change for a 6 lb bag. Reasonable? I know everything is expensive in NY so I wouldn't be surprised if that's expensive. -Rebecca
RE: litterboxes
This group has me in stitches. lol. ---Original Message--- From: MacKenzie, Kerry N. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: litterboxes Sent: Nov 22 '05 13:13 Uh oh. I'm sorry. Gypsy is lucky she lives with *you*. She'll live to tell the tale. Kx -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nina Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 11:37 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: litterboxes My husband calls cat poo appetizers chewy goodness. Disgusting. Ah the joys of fur parenting. While we're on the subject of poo... I just have to vent a little. After all the talk of psyching out litterbox avoidance, my cat Gypsy decided to put me in my place. I was so proud of myself for finding and having delivered a new sofa, love seat and overstuffed chair in time for the hoard of people that will be descending on our home for Thanksgiving. We just got it yesterday, haven't even arranged it the way we want yet. My husband stuck his face back in the bedroom this morning with a look that told me something was very wrong. Gypsy had not only christened the new sofa with her distinctive soft poo, but someone had urinated on the chair. Aaarrrggh! Mommy was not happy. Little s**ts wanted to make sure the new stuff smelled more like the old stuff I guess. Nina veggiepugs wrote: I was reading about covered litterboxes. What size are the largest that come with a cover? Does anyone have problems with their dog thinking cat poop is an appetizer? I've heard that lots of dogs are intrigued by cat poo. Ew. Don't know what would make them attracted to it. Ew again. I'll try to find a bigger covered litterbox if you know the dimensions of the largest one you know of so far. ;) Rebecca hr IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other than Mayer, Brown, Rowe Maw LLP) of that transaction or matter, and (ii) such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor hr This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
RE: litterboxes
Nice to meet you Kerry. I'm horrible with names in person, but online at least i can read and visualize. I'm a very visual person. lol. So, so far, I've met/spoken with...Nina, Jenn, Michelle and now Kerry. I hope I haven't missed anyone! There should be a word for meeting people online. maybe E-meeting. LOL. I can't wait to get home to Brooklyn (the cat, not the place...lol) ---Original Message--- From: MacKenzie, Kerry N. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: litterboxes Sent: Nov 22 '05 13:11 Hi Rebecca (and welcome!---don't think we've spoken?) I'll try to find a bigger covered litterbox if you know the dimensions of the largest one you know of so far. Thanks! I'll measure the ones I currently buy--they're high at the back at least---but they're not long enough (in my view). Kerry -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nina Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 11:37 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: litterboxes My husband calls cat poo appetizers chewy goodness. Disgusting. Ah the joys of fur parenting. While we're on the subject of poo... I just have to vent a little. After all the talk of psyching out litterbox avoidance, my cat Gypsy decided to put me in my place. I was so proud of myself for finding and having delivered a new sofa, love seat and overstuffed chair in time for the hoard of people that will be descending on our home for Thanksgiving. We just got it yesterday, haven't even arranged it the way we want yet. My husband stuck his face back in the bedroom this morning with a look that told me something was very wrong. Gypsy had not only christened the new sofa with her distinctive soft poo, but someone had urinated on the chair. Aaarrrggh! Mommy was not happy. Little s**ts wanted to make sure the new stuff smelled more like the old stuff I guess. Nina veggiepugs wrote: I was reading about covered litterboxes. What size are the largest that come with a cover? Does anyone have problems with their dog thinking cat poop is an appetizer? I've heard that lots of dogs are intrigued by cat poo. Ew. Don't know what would make them attracted to it. Ew again. I'll try to find a bigger covered litterbox if you know the dimensions of the largest one you know of so far. ;) Rebecca hr IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other than Mayer, Brown, Rowe Maw LLP) of that transaction or matter, and (ii) such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor hr This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
Re: Welcome Rebecca
Hah...Patti we have a lot of ties here...lol. My dogs love bananas too. Ever since I was a kid, I've loved a snack of bananas with maple syrup. As soon as I peel a banana, they pick up the scent and are hopping around me like little rabbits. lol. Lucy running in circles and jumping up on my legs and whining like she's a starving child. Oy vay. The drama. They also love, carrots and brussels sprouts as I mentioned, oranges, though I've stopped feeding them because I read about some toxicity issue with them and dogs, popcorn and chips which I don't feed them but maybe one or two ONCE in a blue moon, but Lucy still knows the word Chip. They know the word EAT too and I can't even spell it, they can understand the spelling too. Smart asses. Brooklyn is picking up on a lot of this, as soon as I open the fridge, he comes running and meowing. When I'm making his food...oh my, exactly like the pugs, he jumps up on his hind legs, reaches his front paws out to as far up towards the counter as he can as if to say Please, give it to me, I'm dying of starvation, I can't wait any longer! He jumped up and knocked down all the food the other day because he couldn't wait anymore! Whenever I give the dogs a cookie/treat, he comes and wants some too. He is so hilarious. He's fit in so ridiculously fast and so perfectly. I am astounded. He's like another dog. A very mellow, sleek and agile dog. LOL. I can't get over his begging and his talking. It tickles me pink (what an odd expression). lol. Babylon huh? My boyfriend lives in Deer Park. He's a volunteer fireman there. His ancestry traces back to Brooklyn though, mostly in Park Slope. The LIE can be horrible definitely. Thank goodness I don't have to use it often, but the southern state is even worse if you ask me, and that, i get stuck on regularly. I live in North Massapequa which is a really nice family oriented area. I live in a basement apartment under an AMAZINGLY understanding and very cool landlady in her late 60's. I honestly could never leave because I am so spoiled living there. We're all like family. She and her son and his family live upstairs and they have 2 dogs, a cat, 3 birds, a lizard, a guinea pig and I'm sure there's something else I'm missing but unfortunately they're not the best guardians. Not terrible, but not the best. At least they love their animals. What a house huh? Altogether 4 dogs, 2 cats, 2 rabbits, 3 birds, a guinea pig, a lizard, some fish and coming soon...a partridge in a pear tree. lol. I crack myself up (hey someone's got to laugh at my corny jokes). lol. Hugs. It's so great to be here. The support and just having people to talk to who can relate on so many levels is great. I'll have more about Brooklyn on Saturday. GEEZ talk about babbling. I win. Hugs, Rebecca
Re: litterboxes
yeah except kissing is out of the question for a good several hours. ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: litterboxes Sent: Nov 22 '05 13:26 In a message dated 11/22/05 12:20:40 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Does anyone have problems with their dog thinking cat poop is an appetizer Yepmy Lucy! I told you she'd eat anything!! I think her kitty-cracker consumption added to the problems with her weight! Ugh!!! is right. ( I STILL love her!) Patti
Re: Welcome Rebecca
i love speaking for what our animals might say if they could talk. lol. ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Welcome Rebecca Sent: Nov 22 '05 13:49 My dog Chip loved bananas too. One time I left the house and then realized I had forgotten something and went back in, and a whole bunch of bananas was lying on one of the dog beds, and Chip was sort of looking up at the ceiling like I was just standing here looking at the ceiling. Don't know how they got there. Michelle In a message dated 11/22/2005 1:48:35 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My dogs love bananas too
Liners
i do i do! I bought them and so far...no problems. He hasn't clawed at them. but then again i seem to have the perfect cat...LOL. ;) (they're all perfect!) and no way in he** is he declawed. I have a comic strip i should post here regarding that. Hugs Rebecca ---Original Message--- From: MacKenzie, Kerry N. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: Kerry and Tiger Sent: Nov 22 '05 15:45 Liners---bought/used 'em once only. The mini-monsters duly scraped holes along the length and breadth of it, which of course I couldn't see cos they were covered by the litter. So, gravity being what it is, all the litter simply spewed onto the carpet when I lifted up the liner. So, I've always wondered *who* actually buys liners? (Ahcould it be these deletive expletive people who declaw??) -Original Message- FROM: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ON BEHALF OF Barb Moermond SENT: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 2:29 PM TO: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org SUBJECT: RE: Kerry and Tiger Laughing my tail off here my boys have never had a covered box and I've never used liners - I have no idea how they would react to one but can just imagine! I mean, for that to be a truly viable option, it would have to have an exhaust fan _MACKENZIE, KERRY N. [EMAIL PROTECTED]_ wrote: Bought *and* returned that one, Barb! No one wanted anything to do with it! You'd have thought I was trying to put Katyis in the bath when I tried to show him how to use it. Screamed his little furry head off. Surprised the poli! ce didn't show up. Kerry -Original Message- FROM: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ON BEHALF OF Barb Moermond SENT: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 1:23 PM TO: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org SUBJECT: RE: Kerry and Tiger hey, I saw another box that might help you, it's a TOP entry covered box - also helps prevent doggies getting their tootsie roll treats... [LINK: http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp? PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441807400FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302033739ASSORTMENT%3C %3East_id=2534374302023690bmUID=1132687374032] http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp? PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441807400FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302033739ASSORTMENT%3C %3East_id=2534374302023690bmUID=1132687374032 _BARB MOERMOND [EMAIL PROTECTED]_ wrote: hmm, one of my sister's kitties was something like that - she was in the box, but her butt wasn't I'm going to be adding a 2nd box like it to the household and I'm going to ! devise (or buy) a privacy screen as well, because Smoky is really really sensitive about using the facilities alone. He MUST be alone - he gets really ticked off if he's! using the facilities and someone comes in and if someone else is there, he will go somewhere else, because he always waits until the last second because he had to have his butt wiped after every bm for years because of his bloody diarrhea. _MACKENZIE, KERRY N. [EMAIL PROTECTED]_ wrote: Thanks Barb---that's the highest uncovered I've seen. I think I may have to hold out for one like this but covered tho--because the covered one Tiger uses now, while not long enough in my view,*is* high at the back -- it's prob also 11--and going by what meets my eyes twice-daily when I remove the lid, it's clear the lid is a vital component---vital for (semi-)civilized living at any rate.. Kerry -Original Message- FROM: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ON BEHALF OF Barb Moermond SENT: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 12:36 PM TO: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org SUBJECT: RE: Kerry and Tiger Kerry, I just got a new box and it's not covered, but the sides are 11 high (23.4long and 18.25 wide). Here's a link - I got it at PetsMart, but it's Rubbermaid and should be available at other places. [LINK: http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp? PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441808078FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302033739ASSORTMENT%3C %3East_id=2534374302023690bmUID=1132684459350] http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp? PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441808078FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302033739ASSORTMENT%3C %3East_id=2534374302023690bmUID=1132684459350 _MACKENZIE, KERRY N. [EMAIL PROTECTED]_ wrote: FUnny you should mention the Home Depot cement mixer Nina---I went that route for about 6 months earlier this! year. As you know it's not a covered box; what happened was Tiger did his business (consistently) right at one end of the box and frequently spilled over. I threw it away and went back to the biggest covered box I could find. Wh! ! ich brings me to a Q that's been puzzling me for ages. There is plenty of choice of long litter boxes in pet stores *without*
Re: photo of Brooklyn
Siggie...omg that is such a cute name. Hi Siggie! ---Original Message--- From: Terri Brown [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: photo of Brooklyn Sent: Nov 22 '05 21:35 He looks like my Siggie! =^..^= Terri, Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, Travis, and 6 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth, Alec Salome' =^..^= Furkid Photos! [LINK: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/] http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/ My Personal Page: [LINK: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350] http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350 - Original Message - FROM: [LINK: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] veggiepugs TO: [LINK: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] felvtalk@felineleukemia.org SENT: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 9:50 AM SUBJECT: Re: New Member Actually, DUH I have links to Brooklyn's Photos I can share...I forgot... [LINK: http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1284.JPG] http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1284.JPG [LINK: http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1283.JPG] http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1283.JPG [LINK: http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1282.JPG] http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1282.JPG [LINK: http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1281.JPG] http://www.compassionateplanet.com/images/Kitty/IMG_1281.JPG and here's my doggies website... [LINK: http://www.linusnlucy.com] http://www.linusnlucy.com enjoy! -Rebecca
New Member
Hello- My name is Rebecca and I am totally new to the cat world. I have some, but not extensive knowledge of cats, and just brought a cat into my home who tested positive for FeLV. I found him outside my office while on my lunchbreak last Thursday. He is perfect (to me)...a sweet, loving, adorable cat. Orange tabby in color. I took him immediately to the vet where a friend of mine works and they did an FeLV/feline aids test on him. He tested pos. for FeLV. The test they did looked somewhat like a home pregnancy test, they put his blood into a little receptacle and waited for the results similar to the way a home pregancy test works. I have been reading and reading about FeLV because I would like to care for him and keep him happy and healthy as long as I can. I know that this disease is fatal, at some point, but don't know enough about it by far and would like to be knowledgable about it if I'm to give him the best care possible that I can. He seems otherwise healthy and is going this saturday to see a vet for vaccines and to be neutered and a general exam of his health. Upon examnining him quickly last thursday at our quick visit, he seemed ok, had a cut/infection in between his toes which I have been treating and giving him Clavomox for any infection. He had diarrhea when I brought him home, which worried me, but it cleared up once he was eating normal food in which I added acidophiolous and digestive enzymes to. He no longer has diarrhea. Other than that, he has had no other visible issues. Has a VERY hearty appetite and asks me to feed him often, begs for food alongside my dogs which just cracks me up. I joined this list to learn as much as possible about this disease, what to expect and what steps to take to keep him healthy as possible. Any advice as to what testing or steps I should take from here are so appreciated. Thank you so much! Regards, Rebecca
Re: New Member
Yes he is. So I shouldn't vaccinate? ---Original Message--- From: Steph E Caldwell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: New Member Sent: Nov 21 '05 18:50 veggiepugs wrote: He seems otherwise healthy and is going this saturday to see a vet for vaccines and to be neutered and a general exam of his health. Vaccines put my FELV+ into major failure... He got over it, but it was a miracle he recovered. With the immune problems that FELV causes I would be hesitant to vaccinate... 'specially since he's now an inside kitty, right? Steph
RE: New Member
I know there is a lot of controversy about vaccinations even with dogs. So I understand the concern about that esp. regarding FeLV cats. I wondered if i should be concerned about any illnesses like rabies with him being around my dogs. My dogs are fully vaccinated (except for a few I choose not to give) and healthy but bringing a stray cat into my home, you can understand my concern also for my dogs' health. Are there any concerns I should have? I know he can't transmit the FeLV to them (hence the feline lol) but anything else i should be worried about other than paraistes? He is on clavamox now, if he had any parasites, would this be taking care of it? Thanks! Rebecca ---Original Message--- From: Hideyo Yamamoto [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: New Member Sent: Nov 21 '05 19:07 Just as FYI - I do not vaccinate any of my kitties (whether it's positive or negative on Felv) - and I have many many cats and they are all fine without it. I have had so many horror stories from vaccinations (brain damage to death.. sometimes) - with FeLV, you really want to be careful what you give them (where it might make sense to do with a healthy kitty, it may not for feLV kitties) --- remember, stress (whether it's a physical or emotional) is the biggest enemy for FeLV or kitties with virus (FIV, FIP, or FelV) - you want to do everything you can to avoid the stress and vaccinations is one of them --- surgery is another.. but this, you can' really avoid.. so please make sure that he is in the perfection condition to go through the surgery.. make sure that he is not anemic and all his organs are functioning normally... and again, no additional injectable sedatives, but ISO only for the surgery. And have a happy life with the kitty! Hideyo -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Hideyo Yamamoto Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 5:01 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: RE: New Member Welcome to the list! I am glad that you are able to give him a good home! We have lots and lots of caring and educated people on the list so I hope you will write to us often. My first recommendation is that please DO not give any vaccinations (especially rabies) to this kitty. It is a personal choice. But if you can avoid it, I strongly suggest that you do not vaccinate this kitty. Vaccinations will temporary suppress their immune system, and the suppression could actually trigger any illness that he is not showing right now. Your vet may suggest that it's ok to give since he is asymptomatic, but, I would personally do not want to take a chance - Also, before you neuter him, you might want to run a blood work to make sure that he is in a good condition to go through surgery. I am mainly saying this, because I lost one of my healthiest girl to a spaying surgery.. she was completely healthy, but she died from the surgery. Also, ask your vet to make sure that they only use ISO gas, and not injectable sedatives during the surgery. Hideyo -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of veggiepugs Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 4:48 PM To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: New Member Hello- My name is Rebecca and I am totally new to the cat world. I have some, but not extensive knowledge of cats, and just brought a cat into my home who tested positive for FeLV. I found him outside my office while on my lunchbreak last Thursday. He is perfect (to me)...a sweet, loving, adorable cat. Orange tabby in color. I took him immediately to the vet where a friend of mine works and they did an FeLV/feline aids test on him. He tested pos. for FeLV. The test they did looked somewhat like a home pregnancy test, they put his blood into a little receptacle and waited for the results similar to the way a home pregancy test works. I have been reading and reading about FeLV because I would like to care for him and keep him happy and healthy as long as I can. I know that this disease is fatal, at some point, but don't know enough about it by far and would like to be knowledgable about it if I'm to give him the best care possible that I can. He seems otherwise healthy and is going this saturday to see a vet for vaccines and to be neutered and a general exam of his health. Upon examnining him quickly last thursday at our quick visit, he seemed ok, had a cut/infection in between his toes which I have been treating and giving him Clavomox for any infection. He had diarrhea when I brought him home, which worried me, but it cleared up once he was eating normal food in which I added acidophiolous and digestive enzymes to. He no longer has diarrhea. Other than that, he has had no other visible issues. Has a VERY hearty appetite and asks me to feed him often, begs
RE: New Member
Yes I agree. I switched from one of my vets because he put my dogs on antibiotics EVERY time we went in there. He is on clavamox for the infected foot. Is that no good? I'm giving him topical ointment on it as well. Can't remember the name off the top of my head but it begins with a V. I would know if he had rabies coming into my home right? Rabies, from what I understand (which may be very little...lol) is clearly apparent in animals who have it. Ok well, thank you so much for your input and I appreciate the all you can give me! -Rebecca ---Original Message--- From: Hideyo Yamamoto [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: New Member Sent: Nov 21 '05 19:33 Well,,, realistically, if your kitty is going to be an indoor kitty, I don't see how your kitty are going to get rabies. I have 4 dogs and tons of cats and two of my dogs are never vaccinated with rabies. Your dogs's health are not going to be at risk because of this kitty. I have got FIV cats, and FelV cats and my dogs are way too healthy!! So, please don't worry... I appreciate your sensitiveness to your babies though. You might want to take his stool sample to a vet for an exam. Even if he has a parasite, please write to us before you give him any drug. I have a couple of no no stuff and wanted to make sure that I have a chance to warn you if it comes to that.. (clavamox will not kill any parasite, by the way - but why is he on the clavamox anyway? I am an unti antibiotics person, please forgive me.. we use antibiotics on animals way too much for no reasons.. we really don't give antibiotics to human babies unless it's critical.. Hideyo -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of veggiepugs Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 5:20 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: RE: New Member I know there is a lot of controversy about vaccinations even with dogs. So I understand the concern about that esp. regarding FeLV cats. I wondered if i should be concerned about any illnesses like rabies with him being around my dogs. My dogs are fully vaccinated (except for a few I choose not to give) and healthy but bringing a stray cat into my home, you can understand my concern also for my dogs' health. Are there any concerns I should have? I know he can't transmit the FeLV to them (hence the feline lol) but anything else i should be worried about other than paraistes? He is on clavamox now, if he had any parasites, would this be taking care of it? Thanks! Rebecca ---Original Message--- From: Hideyo Yamamoto [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: New Member Sent: Nov 21 '05 19:07 Just as FYI - I do not vaccinate any of my kitties (whether it's positive or negative on Felv) - and I have many many cats and they are all fine without it. I have had so many horror stories from vaccinations (brain damage to death.. sometimes) - with FeLV, you really want to be careful what you give them (where it might make sense to do with a healthy kitty, it may not for feLV kitties) --- remember, stress (whether it's a physical or emotional) is the biggest enemy for FeLV or kitties with virus (FIV, FIP, or FelV) - you want to do everything you can to avoid the stress and vaccinations is one of them --- surgery is another.. but this, you can' really avoid.. so please make sure that he is in the perfection condition to go through the surgery.. make sure that he is not anemic and all his organs are functioning normally... and again, no additional injectable sedatives, but ISO only for the surgery. And have a happy life with the kitty! Hideyo -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Hideyo Yamamoto Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 5:01 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: RE: New Member Welcome to the list! I am glad that you are able to give him a good home! We have lots and lots of caring and educated people on the list so I hope you will write to us often. My first recommendation is that please DO not give any vaccinations (especially rabies) to this kitty. It is a personal choice. But if you can avoid it, I strongly suggest that you do not vaccinate this kitty. Vaccinations will temporary suppress their immune system, and the suppression could actually trigger any illness that he is not showing right now. Your vet may suggest that it's ok to give since he is asymptomatic, but, I would personally do not want to take a chance - Also, before you neuter him, you might want to run a blood work to make sure that he is in a good condition to go through surgery. I am mainly saying this, because I lost one of my healthiest girl to a spaying surgery.. she
Re: New Member
Wow, everyone is so welcoming and wonderful here. thank you so much. More about my kittyman...His name is Brooklyn P. O'Malley officially. LOL. My boyfriend named him Brooklyn because it's a very very special place to us, the P stands for Putty tat (doh) and O'Malley because he's got orange fur...makes me think of an irish red-head. LOL. I found him outside my office on Thursday and he very willingly came into my arms and into my life. He walked into my house like he owned the place. lol. Went right up to the dogs and marked them as his rubbing his face all over them. My dog Lucy didn't know what to make of it, she kind of looked as if she were saying ohmygod what is this!! she kind of had a help me mom! look in her eyes. My boy Linus wanted to play with Brooklyn and started doing the doggy play bow at him and barking at him to instigate him to play. Brooklyn wasn't startled by him in the least and just looked at Linus as if to say And that means what exactly? How silly you look. LOL. He is absolutely FAN-tastic. Beautiful, sweet, personable, smart, vocal aad hysterically funny. He rolls around, acts silly (a big personality plus for me, I LOVE silly...lol) he even played with a toy I made him...all it is, is a string with a bell tied to the end, he loves it! So cute the way they bat it with their paws. I'm so excited about him because I have never lived with a cat before or known any very intimately. This is an experience for me and a wonderful one at that. I am sad to know he is sick but he is doing so well. Looking at him and observing his behavior, he appears as a perfectly healthy and normal cat. He has a RAVENOUS appetite and has gained some weight already. His belly looks nice and full. lol. His age has been guesstimated at about 5. He is not a kitten. I would definitely like to know more about feeding him. Right now I have him on feline a/d by hill's science diet (which isn't one of my favorite food companies but...the vets office gave it to me to fatten him up) and some kibble which they told me to have out all day for him. Is that right? I am a VERY serious guardian (don't use the word owner either Nina...I just can't...lol) about my animals. They are my children, my family and my life. It's just us here in my cozy apartment and we live very happily together. (my goodness I love animals...lol) I also have 2 rabbits, which Brooklyn hasn't bothered at all. I do all my research and have always found that having others to talk with has been one of the greatest helps. I'm so glad I joined here. I read up on everything and always take my animals to the vet at the sign of even a sniffle. My animals are VERY important to me and no less so than any human's life (in fact more so thatn SOME humans I know...lol) This is a hot topic whenever I bring it up, and I always hesitate to do so, but I want to put it out there. I am a vegan and my dogs are also on a vegan diet for almost 4 years now, vet supervised and are doing fantastically. I am always open for discussion on it, as long as it's not offensive. I don't push others to my ideas, I do it for my own reasons, so I'll never discuss it here other than mentioning it in this email. I however, I want to stress that I do NOT intend to try and change Brooklyn to such a diet at any point. He is too fragile for that, and cats, being obligate carnivores to begin with are very difficult to adjust to that kind of diet. (Most vegans would disagree with my decision, but I'm a whole different breed. LOL). So, he's the only meat eater in this house, and his health comes first. SO, that being said, please offer me any suggestions on diets, foods what I should feed him, supplements and what dosages I should be giving him. I will do whatever I must to get him healthy, boost and keep his immune system up and give him the best and healthiest life possible. More about Brooklyn's personality. He's a trip. He lets me know when he wants something and is usually pretty clear about what it is. The dogs keep trying to eat his food and get to his litterbox, so I built a shelf above their food area where he can jump up and have his food safe from the dogs trying to steal it. He got used to it in no time. I put his litterbox in a private place for him and have to get a cover for it before lucy starts thinking bon bons!. Ew. He has had no accidents since his diarrhea cleared up. Other than that, he has his own collar now which he will soon proudly wear with his name on it and NO he will not be an outdoor cat at all. That would be my decision regardless of whether he was FeLV+ or not. Knowing all the dangers and hazards to a cat's health and well being that exist outside when I can't be there to care for a cat is more than I want to think about. I've seen more than my share of cats and other animals that meet their fate along the roads. He lives here with me now so I can give him the best care.
