Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
I have a wonderful husband as far as being a softie for animals. He was the one who suggested that we keep our little stray, Scooter, rather than let the vet put him to sleep. Scooter was in quarantine at the vet and we couldnt find a home for him, so it looked like we would have to do the hard thing, as we already have two (negative) cats. But I couldnt bear the thought of Scooters last days being alone in a strange place, so I suggested bringing him home for a week to comfort him before the end. My husbands eyes filled with tears and he said we would just get too emotional, and he didnt think he could handle it. Then he asked, Cant we keep him? Thats when I knew what we had to do. I found this forum and after reading all your posts, I feel much better about this decision. With diligence, we can protect our cats and give Scoot the love he needs. I didnt ask for a special needs cat, but I agree with another post who said that sometimes pets choose us, rather than the other way around. Thanks to everyone who has been replying to my initial post for advice. I feel much better about this knowing we have the experience and support of fellow animal lovers! Best of health to you and all your kitties. -peggy
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
My husband is the same way. He is very supportive of what I do and with my rescue. He is such a big baby when it comes to the care of the cats/kittens. He is the first to rush them to the Vets and say do what you gotta do to help them. He also knows when it is time to let them go to the bridge it is time he does notlike the suffering. He compares it to him that he doesn't want to suffer so why should they. As long as the bills get paid he is a happy camper! :) In a message dated 9/21/2006 2:39:59 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Guess Mike is a keeper, for the most part he never asks how much anything concerning the cats cost, I take care of the money and as long as there aren't any turn off notices coming in he couldn't care less. In fact this month we'll be broke by Saturday (Joey Ultrasound will suck up the last of the bank account), so it's time to get creative with dinner next week :) Terrie Mohr-ForkerTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE COLLIE RESCUEDonations accepted at:https://www.paypal.com/http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescuehttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.htmlhttp://www.felineleukemia.org/http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.htmlhttp://www.petloss.com/
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
My housemate (and friend of almost 30 years) is also so immensely supportive. Helps with medicating, nail trimming, etc. Cries when we loose one but still insists on doing what we can and making the decision to let go when it is clear that nothing can be done and no real quality of life can be expected.When we had giardia in the house, he made bad jokes while cleaning up poop. When a particularly vindictive Himalayan was strategically pooping around his bed (somehow she knew exactly where he would put his bare feet first thing in the morning) to get even with him for not kissing up to her appropriately, he referred to it as "another visit from the sh*t fairy last night," grabbed the Clorox bleach sheets and cleaned it up. And he kissed up to the cat and she has since relented.A particularly battered old tomcat who we adopted sleeps in Larry's room and routinely throws up on the blanket. He throws the blanket in the wash, gets another one out (we now have assorted fleece "barf blankets" for this purpose) and would never think of putting Sylvester out of his room.He has been bitten syringe-feeding sick kittens. Shares litterbox duty with me daily. And when a neighbor recently brought us a dumped kitten that had been found crying huddled next to the garbage cans, Larry was genuinely glad that it was our garbage cans where the kitten was dumped.Can you believe this guy actually pays rent for the privilege of living in this madness? A lot of people, you couldn't pay THEM to live with me.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My husband is the same way. He is very supportive of what I do and with my rescue. He is such a big baby when it comes to the care of the cats/kittens. He is the first to rush them to the Vets and say do what you gotta do to help them. He also knows when it is time to let them go to the bridge it is time he does notlike the suffering. He compares it to him that he doesn't want to suffer so why should they. As long as the bills get paid he is a happy camper! :) In a message dated 9/21/2006 2:39:59 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Guess Mike is a keeper, for the most part he never asks how much anything concerning the cats cost, I take care of the money and as long as there aren't any turn off notices coming in he couldn't care less. In fact this month we'll be broke by Saturday (Joey Ultrasound will suck up the last of the bank account), so it's time to get creative with dinner next week :) Terrie Mohr-ForkerTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE COLLIE RESCUEDonations accepted at:https://www.paypal.com/http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescuehttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.htmlhttp://www.felineleukemia.org/http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.htmlhttp://www.petloss.com/
Partners' reactions to FeLV+
Michelle brings up a good point that I have been wondering about lately. My boyfriend has gone through two FeLV+ losses with me. We do not live together and these are definitely MY cats, but he is supportive and comforting and mourns himself when the time has come to say goodbye. However, after the kitten, Azrael, passed (I had her for four days and many tears, and vet bills) and I was debating getting Beatrix, I could tell that his ability to empathize was waning. We have discussions about the sanity of adopting leukemia positive cats versus maintaining his 1979 Corvette. In my opinion, one of those things is ridiculous and the other worthy. He has the same opinion, but I suppose you can guess that what we select for each categoryis not the same. Anyway, our bottom line is that if I want to, it's my decision and he will support me, but it is hard to not have enthusiastic support. I was wondering what the other people in your life feel about the positive cats in their homes. As Nina's husband can attest, just because you may not have been the one to open your doors to them, doesn't mean that you won't have to personally adjust to the consequences thereof - and to be fair, those consequences can just as easily be good. Speaking of Nina, how is Spencer? I hope that your silence is not indicative of anything. Leslie From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: Re: Minnion has gone to the Bridge I am so sorry.As someone who has watched 4 positive cats die, Ithink thatadopting multiple positives is a really hard thing to do.Mypartner hasmade me promise I will not do it anymore. So I understand yourdecision regarding your son.Michelle
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
Leslie, We have both FIV and FeLV (not together) and my husband is very supportive. The way we look at it is thatthey arelives... and every life is worth saving. I would not trade one single moment with one of the wonderfulcats or kittens we have lost over the years for the pain we sufferedwhen we lostthem (and believe me, the pain was horrid). We love all of them unconditionally. Unfortunately there are not as many of us who are willing to take on the FeLV or FIV kitties... and as you know, they are generally the most special cats. You may get a shorter time with them... but you are sure to get one of the most special cats you'll ever know... Just my 2 cents worth Leslie =^..^= On 9/21/06, Leslie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Michelle brings up a good point that I have been wondering about lately. My boyfriend has gone through two FeLV+ losses with me. We do not live together and these are definitely MY cats, but he is supportive and comforting and mourns himself when the time has come to say goodbye. However, after the kitten, Azrael, passed (I had her for four days and many tears, and vet bills) and I was debating getting Beatrix, I could tell that his ability to empathize was waning. We have discussions about the sanity of adopting leukemia positive cats versus maintaining his 1979 Corvette. In my opinion, one of those things is ridiculous and the other worthy. He has the same opinion, but I suppose you can guess that what we select for each categoryis not the same. Anyway, our bottom line is that if I want to, it's my decision and he will support me, but it is hard to not have enthusiastic support. I was wondering what the other people in your life feel about the positive cats in their homes. As Nina's husband can attest, just because you may not have been the one to open your doors to them, doesn't mean that you won't have to personally adjust to the consequences thereof - and to be fair, those consequences can just as easily be good. Speaking of Nina, how is Spencer? I hope that your silence is not indicative of anything. Leslie From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: Re: Minnion has gone to the Bridge I am so sorry.As someone who has watched 4 positive cats die, Ithink thatadopting multiple positives is a really hard thing to do.Mypartner has made me promise I will not do it anymore. So I understand yourdecision regarding your son.Michelle-- Leslie =^..^=To leave the world a better place - whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or an improved social condition - that is to have succeeded.That only one life breathed easier because you lived - that is success. ---Ralph Waldo Emerson
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
My husband thinks we have to many cats (8) although Smokey is the only one Felv+. When I found Smokey outside last November I told him that Smokey could be my Christmas present. He wouldn't admit it but he loves all of them. I did promise him that I wouldn't get anymore pets for now. I know financially it is hard caring for 8 cats, 2 dogs and a cockatiel. I also worry about if all of them are getting the attention they need from me. I know when any of our pets have passed away my husband has been upset too. Cindy --- Leslie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Michelle brings up a good point that I have been wondering about lately. My boyfriend has gone through two FeLV+ losses with me. We do not live together and these are definitely MY cats, but he is supportive and comforting and mourns himself when the time has come to say goodbye. However, after the kitten, Azrael, passed (I had her for four days and many tears, and vet bills) and I was debating getting Beatrix, I could tell that his ability to empathize was waning. We have discussions about the sanity of adopting leukemia positive cats versus maintaining his 1979 Corvette. In my opinion, one of those things is ridiculous and the other worthy. He has the same opinion, but I suppose you can guess that what we select for each category is not the same. Anyway, our bottom line is that if I want to, it's my decision and he will support me, but it is hard to not have enthusiastic support. I was wondering what the other people in your life feel about the positive cats in their homes. As Nina's husband can attest, just because you may not have been the one to open your doors to them, doesn't mean that you won't have to personally adjust to the consequences thereof - and to be fair, those consequences can just as easily be good. Speaking of Nina, how is Spencer? I hope that your silence is not indicative of anything. Leslie From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Minnion has gone to the Bridge I am so sorry. As someone who has watched 4 positive cats die, I think that adopting multiple positives is a really hard thing to do. My partner has made me promise I will not do it anymore. So I understand your decision regarding your son. Michelle __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
My husband did not really understand what I went through when I lost Cricket. Neither did my dad. A man who does is very special. We're just wired differently when it comes to this. My husband tried his best to comfort me, and do what he could to help out, but he didn't feel it the same way I did. And I certainly don't fault him for that. You and your boyfriend will have to strike that balance, especially financially if you get married. Of course, I agree with you, but I bet many men would agree with him. Thus the problem. lol. It is hard not to have enthusiastic support; I totally know what you mean. But, I settled for being happy with what my husband could give me since he did not feel the same way I did about Cricket. Even now, when I drop $100 at the vet's in one fell swoop, he just can't understand. He wants to wait a few more days to see how kitty fares as I'm running to the car with kitty in a towel. lol. Men ARE from Mars. hehe :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
When I lost Maizee my boyfriend was very upset too,he was right there petting her and telling her that he loved her as the dr gave her the shot(i'm crying now).He cried too. He took herand Ito the vet for her chemo treatments and even paid for her meds and couple of her more expensive visits,like 400.00 visits,I guess I got lucky when I found him.He has helped me through 4 of my fur babies passings and was very sweet in comforting me. :)He too tried to talk me out of adopting my 3 fiv boys,but he didn't fight it too hard. :) He loves them too!! Take care Kayte and I am so sorry about Minion.Hugs to you and all your family. Sherry and da boyzwendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My husband did not really understand what I wentthrough when I lost Cricket. Neither did my dad. Aman who does is very special. We're just wireddifferently when it comes to this. My husband triedhis best to comfort me, and do what he could to helpout, but he didn't feel it the same way I did. And Icertainly don't fault him for that. You and yourboyfriend will have to strike that balance, especiallyfinancially if you get married. Of course, I agreewith you, but I bet many men would agree with him. Thus the problem. lol. It is hard not to haveenthusiastic support; I totally know what you mean. But, I settled for being happy with what my husbandcould give me since he did not feel the same way I didabout Cricket. Even now, when I drop $100 at thevet's in one fell swoop, he just can't understand. Hewants to wait a few more days to see how kitty faresas I'm running to the car with kitty in a towel. lol.Men ARE from Mars. hehe:)Wendy__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Yahoo! Small Business.
RE: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
This is really a hard one. My housemate, Gail, and I are both the biggest softies in the world -- someone tells us a sob story about a feral in a trailer park with autumn approaching, or another trailer park guy who doesn't seem as adaptable as the other strays there, and we're making room at the inn! And then there was Patches, who found us. Gail tends to be a little more practical than I am. We both say we can't handle another cat, but she's the one who believes it -- even while buying a toy for the new arrival. Unfortunately, and I hate this as I know everyone here does, there IS a financial bottom line to think of, and a time commitment bottom line to think of, and a sheer logistics bottom line to think of. We've nursed our share of sick kitties, and the demands have been utterly draining in every respect. Missy and the late Phoebe somehow ingested some unknown neurotoxin 2 months after we moved to this house and zapped their livers royally, and the two of us sat in their sickroom (ironically, the move that resulted in them getting sick also provided a spare room to be a sickroom), squirting A/D, subQ fluids and various meds down them for nearly 2 months, and it nearly drove us nuts. It wasn't a one-person job, so we each had to get up considerably earlier in the morning to do a session before work, and interrupt our evening for another, and although we had the satisfaction of having pulled them through, we were exhausted by the time we were done. Similarly, a co-worker of Gail's had a cat, spayed female she said, that she couldn't take with her when she moved. Beautiful cat, but turned out to be male, and diabetic. We spent a lot of time and money getting him regulated on his insulin, only to lose him one hurried morning when we didn't think to make sure he got some food after his shot. Gail bears the scars of this because she was the one who decided to close the upstairs door (this used to be a duplex) so that the big guys wouldn't trample her old Kitty, who had gone blind and who stayed up there where Gail sleeps and computes. The upstairs bowl was Wesley's food source when the more dominant guys commandeered the other one, and suddenly he couldn't get to it. Something like this just never occurred to us, it was just freakishly bad luck. You all know how Patches came to us, and how he stopped eating. This time, Gail was working 2nd shift and I'm 1st, so the two of us weren't home at the same time to feed him more than twice a day, and he needed more, and better. And then there was Luc, our heart-kitty, and his hepatic lipidosis and the intubation and overnight stay at the emergency vet that pretty much demolished my savings, which was proceeds from my mom's life insurance and which we had allocated to build a deck in her memory (this sounds like a no-brainer, but she never got to see our place but wanted to get us stuff to make it nice). We decided that since she had loved Luc, she would be happy that her money helped save his life. But we also knew, and hated ourselves for knowing, that if it had been any of the others besides Luc, or if it was something less treatable than the lipidosis, we might have had to make a hard decision about spending the money. What it boils down to is, I don't think, given a choice, that either of us would knowingly take in a cat like Wes, or Patches, with the financial, emotional and physical burden that they inevitably bring, simply because we don't have enough of any of those resources. But having taken them in, neither of us will desert them. Frankly, I don't know how we would have been able to do right by Patches, if he had lived longer, with the high-end food, the supplements, the meds, the vet bills. If we were richer, less frazzled and busy, had more resources, we would probably take in another unadoptable; as it is, once our numbers dwindle a bit, I would be willing to take an otherwise healthy HIV+ kitty and could probably talk Gail into it as well. But I think we can be pardoned for wishing, just once, in the back of our minds, for a perfect, healthy, beautiful, snuggly, bouncy little kitten with NO baggage. (Oh, and Gail wants a dachshund...) ;-) Diane --- Leslie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Michelle brings up a good point that I have been wondering about lately. My boyfriend has gone through two FeLV+ losses with me. We do not live together and these are definitely MY cats, but he is supportive and comforting and mourns himself when the time has come to say goodbye. However, after the kitten, Azrael, passed (I had her for four days and many tears, and vet bills) and I was debating getting Beatrix, I could tell that his ability to empathize was waning. We have discussions about the sanity of adopting leukemia positive cats versus maintaining his 1979 Corvette. In my opinion, one of those things is ridiculous and the other worthy. He has the same opinion, but I suppose you can guess that what we select for
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
At 12:43 PM 9/21/2006, you wrote: My husband grumbles about the numbers but has helped build new quarters for this FELV cat now with us,,He know I would not have it any other way, I do not turn of his NASCAR eirther Kelly Michelle brings up a good point that I have been wondering about lately. My boyfriend has gone through two FeLV+ losses with me. We do not live together and these are definitely MY cats, but he is supportive and comforting and mourns himself when the time has come to say goodbye. However, after the kitten, Azrael, passed (I had her for four days and many tears, and vet bills) and I was debating getting Beatrix, I could tell that his ability to empathize was waning. We have discussions about the sanity of adopting leukemia positive cats versus maintaining his 1979 Corvette. In my opinion, one of those things is ridiculous and the other worthy. He has the same opinion, but I suppose you can guess that what we select for each category is not the same. Anyway, our bottom line is that if I want to, it's my decision and he will support me, but it is hard to not have enthusiastic support. I was wondering what the other people in your life feel about the positive cats in their homes. As Nina's husband can attest, just because you may not have been the one to open your doors to them, doesn't mean that you won't have to personally adjust to the consequences thereof - and to be fair, those consequences can just as easily be good. Speaking of Nina, how is Spencer? I hope that your silence is not indicative of anything. Leslie From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Minnion has gone to the Bridge I am so sorry. As someone who has watched 4 positive cats die, I think that adopting multiple positives is a really hard thing to do. My partner has made me promise I will not do it anymore. So I understand your decision regarding your son. Michelle No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.6/453 - Release Date: 9/20/2006
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
Guess Mike is a keeper, for the most part he never asks how much anything concerning the cats cost, I take care of the money and as long as there aren't any turn off notices coming in he couldn't care less. In fact this month we'll be broke by Saturday (Joey Ultrasound will suck up the last of the bank account), so it's time to get creative with dinner next week :) -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
"$100 in one fell swoop" I am THRILLED if I can get out for under $200!!wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My husband did not really understand what I wentthrough when I lost Cricket. Neither did my dad. Aman who does is very special. We're just wireddifferently when it comes to this. My husband triedhis best to comfort me, and do what he could to helpout, but he didn't feel it the same way I did. And Icertainly don't fault him for that. You and yourboyfriend will have to strike that balance, especiallyfinancially if you get married. Of course, I agreewith you, but I bet many men would agree with him. Thus the problem. lol. It is hard not to haveenthusiastic support; I totally know what you mean. But, I settled for being happy with what my husbandcould give me since he did not feel the same way I didabout Cricket. Even now, when I drop $100 at thevet's in one fell swoop, he just can't understand. Hewants to wait a few more days to see how kitty faresas I'm running to the car with kitty in a towel. lol.Men ARE from Mars. hehe:)Wendy__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito"My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile."- Anonymous Do you Yahoo!? Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail.
RE: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
but even with the nice normal kittens, there can be a lot of things that cost!! When my boys came to me, we were at the vet once a week - various parasites and viruses etc - and I was still paying on Ninja's vet bills too - and then there was about a month where things were OK, then Smoky started getting the bloody diarrhea and here we go again - all sorts of fecal tests and special diets etc and then medicine twice a day for MONTHS and voila! his poop was fine - then a few months later, we moved and voila! back to soft and bloody - then Bandit - a 2 dimensional cat - LOST 2 POUNDS - this is a very slender kitty at 10 pounds... so tests and an ultrasound etc etc and then Smoky started with the interstitial cystitis... it seems like it's always something and my mom has asked me what I would do if I had a normal healthy kitty I wouldn't know what to do!!!"Rosenfeldt, Diane" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This is really a hard one. My housemate, Gail, and I are both thebiggest softies in the world -- someone tells us a sob story about aferal in a trailer park with autumn approaching, or another trailer parkguy who doesn't seem as adaptable as the other strays there, and we'remaking room at the inn! And then there was Patches, who found us. Gailtends to be a little more practical than I am. We both say we can'thandle another cat, but she's the one who believes it -- even whilebuying a toy for the new arrival. Unfortunately, and I hate this as Iknow everyone here does, there IS a financial bottom line to think of,and a time commitment bottom line to think of, and a sheer logisticsbottom line to think of. We've nursed our share of sick kitties, andthe demands have been utterly draining in every respect. Missy and thelate Phoebe somehow ingested some unknown neurotoxin 2 months after wemoved to this house and zapped their livers royally, and the two of ussat in their sickroom (ironically, the move that resulted in themgetting sick also provided a spare room to be a sickroom), squirtingA/D, subQ fluids and various meds down them for nearly 2 months, and itnearly drove us nuts. It wasn't a one-person job, so we each had to getup considerably earlier in the morning to do a session before work, andinterrupt our evening for another, and although we had the satisfactionof having pulled them through, we were exhausted by the time we weredone. Similarly, a co-worker of Gail's had a cat, spayed female shesaid, that she couldn't take with her when she moved. Beautiful cat,but turned out to be male, and diabetic. We spent a lot of time andmoney getting him regulated on his insulin, only to lose him one hurriedmorning when we didn't think to make sure he got some food after hisshot. Gail bears the scars of this because she was the one who decidedto close the upstairs door (this used to be a duplex) so that the bigguys wouldn't trample her old Kitty, who had gone blind and who stayedup there where Gail sleeps and computes. The upstairs bowl was Wesley'sfood source when the more dominant guys commandeered the other one, andsuddenly he couldn't get to it. Something like this just never occurredto us, it was just freakishly bad luck. You all know how Patches cameto us, and how he stopped eating. This time, Gail was working 2nd shiftand I'm 1st, so the two of us weren't home at the same time to feed himmore than twice a day, and he needed more, and better. And then therewas Luc, our heart-kitty, and his hepatic lipidosis and the intubationand overnight stay at the emergency vet that pretty much demolished mysavings, which was proceeds from my mom's life insurance and which wehad allocated to build a deck in her memory (this sounds like ano-brainer, but she never got to see our place but wanted to get usstuff to make it nice). We decided that since she had loved Luc, shewould be happy that her money helped save his life. But we also knew,and hated ourselves for knowing, that if it had been any of the othersbesides Luc, or if it was something less treatable than the lipidosis,we might have had to make a hard decision about spending the money. What it boils down to is, I don't think, given a choice, that either ofus would knowingly take in a cat like Wes, or Patches, with thefinancial, emotional and physical burden that they inevitably bring,simply because we don't have enough of any of those resources. Buthaving taken them in, neither of us will desert them. Frankly, I don'tknow how we would have been able to do right by Patches, if he had livedlonger, with the high-end food, the supplements, the meds, the vetbills. If we were richer, less frazzled and busy, had more resources,we would probably take in another unadoptable; as it is, once ournumbers dwindle a bit, I would be willing to take an otherwise healthyHIV+ kitty and could probably talk Gail into it as well. But I think wecan be pardoned for wishing, just once, in the back of our minds, for aperfect, healthy, beautiful, snuggly, bouncy little kitten with NObaggage.
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
A lot to comment on on this one... First off, wasn't this about a Corvette too.. I can relate to that because 40 years ago my new wife pressured me into letting my 1957 vette go as an unpractical car... That hurt too.. An still does a bit when I see one sell at an auction for about 200 times what I sold mine for... And 40 years later here I am caring for a dozen pos. kitties and as many more seniors that were out of time at the shelter... I think Wendy mentioned "Waiting a few more days before going to the vet".. This sounds like my vet who is probably the most reasonable priced but I seem to have to bug him to try something.. These guys can be so normal one day and be gone the next... I now have a middle aged boy who I have had for a year and eats like a horse and his mouth looks good but in the past week he has started licking through my newspaper.. I have been loading his food up with vitamins and he gobbles it all up.. but he still licks the newspaper if I leave it around Makes me wonder if I should try the IR before he develops other problems... My vet read the report that says its no better than interferon but is that because its not given early enough ??? There...I covered the whole thread and didn't answer anything... Tad Barb Moermond wrote: but even with the nice normal kittens, there can be a lot of things that cost!! When my boys came to me, we were at the vet once a week - various parasites and viruses etc - and I was still paying on Ninja's vet bills too - and then there was about a month where things were OK, then Smoky started getting the bloody diarrhea and here we go again - all sorts of fecal tests and special diets etc and then medicine twice a day for MONTHS and voila! his poop was fine - then a few months later, we moved and voila! back to soft and bloody - then Bandit - a 2 dimensional cat - LOST 2 POUNDS - this is a very slender kitty at 10 pounds... so tests and an ultrasound etc etc and then Smoky started with the interstitial cystitis... it seems like it's always something and my mom has asked me what I would do if I had a normal healthy kitty I wouldn't know what to do!!! "Rosenfeldt, Diane" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This is really a hard one. My housemate, Gail, and I are both the biggest softies in the world -- someone tells us a sob story about a feral in a trailer park with autumn approaching, or another trailer park guy who doesn't seem as adaptable as the other strays there, and we're making room at the inn! And then there was Patches, who found us. Gail tends to be a little more practical than I am. We both say we can't handle another cat, but she's the one who believes it -- even while buying a toy for the new arrival. Unfortunately, and I hate this as I know everyone here does, there IS a financial bottom line to think of, and a time commitment bottom line to think of, and a sheer logistics bottom line to think of. We've nursed our share of sick kitties, and the demands have been utterly draining in every respect. Missy and the late Phoebe somehow ingested some unknown neurotoxin 2 months after we moved to this house and zapped their livers royally, and the two of us sat in their sickroom (ironically, the move that resulted in them getting sick also provided a spare room to be a sickroom), squirting A/D, subQ fluids and various meds down them for nearly 2 months, and it nearly drove us nuts. It wasn't a one-person job, so we each had to get up considerably earlier in the morning to do a session before work, and interrupt our evening for another, and although we had the satisfaction of having pulled them through, we were exhausted by the time we were done. Similarly, a co-worker of Gail's had a cat, spayed female she said, that she couldn't take with her when she moved. Beautiful cat, but turned out to be male, and diabetic. We spent a lot of time and money getting him regulated on his insulin, only to lose him one hurried morning when we didn't think to make sure he got some food after his shot. Gail bears the scars of this because she was the one who decided to close the upstairs door (this used to be a duplex) so that the big guys wouldn't trample her old Kitty, who had gone blind and who stayed up there where Gail sleeps and computes. The upstairs bowl was Wesley's food source when the more dominant guys commandeered the other one, and suddenly he couldn't get to it. Something like this just never occurred to us, it was just freakishly bad luck. You all know how Patches came to us, and how he stopped eating. This time, Gail was working 2nd shift and I'm 1st, so the two of us weren't home at the same time to feed him more than twice a day, and he needed more, and better. And then there was Luc, our heart-kitty, and his hepatic lipidosis and the intubation and overnight stay at the emergency vet that pretty much demolished my savings, which was proceeds from my mom's life insurance and which we had allocated to build a deck in her memory
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
Hehehe, you guys are all so interesting and clever. You're all such good writers, I just love this group. Anyway, I guess that those of us with enthusiastically supportive partners should add that to our list of blessings, and those of us with grumblely supportive partners should too. And in the 'vette vs cat black hole of money debate - in my heart of hearts, I love tooling around in the 'vette because it sounds like a dumptruck and when you get out after a long ride, your whole body is still slightly vibrating from whatever new part is about to fly loose and rattling under the hood, and in his heart of hearts, he has a pretty big soft spot for Satch, and I know will for Beatrix, too, so neither of us are really arguing that the other change anything, because each quirk makes us who we are in all of our mismatched glory (nothing in common but each other, as he says). BUT - when I stress over them, it affects him, too. He doesn't like to see me sad. And when either of us complain about the expense of a situation that we gladly enter back into time and time again, it's the kneejerk reaction after so long to point out how wouldn't it make more sense to trade it in for a Prius? Or wouldn't it be easier to get a healthy adult cat? And the answer is yes, it would both be easier and make sense, but that's not the call that we heed. And just thank God that you are all here to let me vent ad nauseum. :) Leslie From: Tad Burnett [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+ A lot to comment on on this one...First off, wasn't this about a Corvette too..I can relate to that because 40 years ago my new wife pressured meinto letting my 1957 vette go as an unpractical car... That hurt too.. An still does a bit when I see one sell at an auction for about 200times what I sold mine for...And 40 years later here I am caring for a dozen pos. kitties and as manymore seniors that were out of time at the shelter... I think Wendy mentioned Waiting a few more days before going to the vet..This sounds like my vet who is probably the most reasonable priced but Iseem to have to bug him to try something.. These guys can be so normal one day and be gone the next...I now have a middle aged boy who I have had for a year and eats like a horseand his mouth looks good but in the past week he has started licking throughmy newspaper.. I have been loading his food up with vitamins and he gobbles it all up.. but he still licks the newspaper if I leave it aroundMakes me wonder if I should try the IR before he develops other problems...My vet read the report that says its no better than interferon but is that becauseits not given early enough ???There...I covered the whole thread and didn't answer anything...Tad
Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+
It was my husband Mike's idea to adopt Pippin in the first place. He wasn't really a cat lover when we got together 15 years ago. Recently, when I shared the idea of keeping Pippin and mixing her with our negatives, I could see the reliefon his face and the happiness that we were going to keep her. He's very attached to his girl.Years agomy pet cockatiels had babies and the father bird killed one of the babies and had to be removed from the nest box.The mother bird took over for two weeks, but then started to feather pick the babies. They had to be hand-raised.Mike got right in there and helped me hand feed them for 13 weeks, at first coming home on his lunchhour and getting up in the night. This was before we were married.GinaLeslie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hehehe, you guys are all so interesting and clever. You're all such good writers, I just love this group. Anyway, I guess that those of us with enthusiastically supportive partners should add that to our list of blessings, and those of us with grumblely supportive partners should too. And in the 'vette vs cat black hole of money debate - in my heart of hearts, I love tooling around in the 'vette because it sounds like a dumptruck and when you get out after a long ride, your whole body is still slightly vibrating from whatever new part is about to fly loose and rattling under the hood, and in his heart of hearts, he has a pretty big soft spot for Satch, and I know will for Beatrix, too, so neither of us are really arguing that the other change anything, because each quirk makes us who we are in all of our mismatched glory (nothing in common but each other, as he says). BUT - when I stress over them, it affects him, too. He doesn't like to see me sad. And when either of us complain about the expense of a situation that we gladly enter back into time and time again, it's the kneejerk reaction after so long to point out how wouldn't it make more sense to trade it in for a Prius? Or wouldn't it be easier to get a healthy adult cat? And the answer is yes, it would both be easier and make sense, but that's not the call that we heed. And just thank God that you are all here to let me vent ad nauseum. :)Leslie From: Tad Burnett [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: Re: Partners' reactions to FeLV+ A lot to comment on on this one...First off, wasn't this about a Corvette too..I can relate to that because 40 years ago my new wife pressured meinto letting my 1957 vette go as an unpractical car... That hurt too.. An still does a bit when I see one sell at an auction for about 200times what I sold mine for...And 40 years later here I am caring for a dozen pos. kitties and as manymore seniors that were out of time at the shelter... I think Wendy mentioned "Waiting a few more days before going to the vet"..This sounds like my vet who is probably the most reasonable priced but Iseem to have to bug him to try something.. These guys can be so normal one day and be gone the next...I now have a middle aged boy who I have had for a year and eats like a horseand his mouth looks good but in the past week he has started licking throughmy newspaper.. I have been loading his food up with vitamins and he gobbles it all up.. but he still licks the newspaper if I leave it aroundMakes me wonder if I should try the IR before he develops other problems...My vet read the report that says its no better than interferon but is that becauseits not given early enough ???There...I covered the whole thread and didn't answer anything...TadPlease visitmy Tigger Tales site! On the fundraising page aremy merchant affiliate banners. If anyone uses my links to make a purchase, I will receive a percentage of all final sales.I am going to donate100% ofthe proceeds to animal welfare organizations.This is a great way to shop your favorite online pet stores and give something to a worthy cause. Thank you in advance! Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1ยข/min.
