Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Amy, I don't have much input on restricting activity. In general it seems to me that once a cat realizes his limitations he'll limit himself. I am not big on limiting them. They generally do that on their own. I guess it's a personal opinion. Certainly something could happen, but something could happen to any of us. I really wanted to see if you would be interested in trying a tonic. It is a tonic meant for treatment of cancers, but it has properties and benefits that extend beyond this. It has helped various people and animals in various way. Noone has ever reported any significant negative side effects with its use. It is an herbal tonic consistenting of four plant derivatives. I was wondering if it could help a felv cat. It would be fantastic to see a reversal of neurologic symptoms. I don't know that it would help, but it has done wonders in many settings. If you're interested I can send you the list of herbs and how to prepare it. On a different note, I have seen some amazing things with acupuncture and alignment on dogs and cats. If the weakness is not due to felv, these procedures may help. You'd have to go to an alternative vet for that though. I don't know it was just a thought and I figured I put it out there. Jenny On 7/23/10, Amy wrote: > > Wondering if people would offer an opinion. My cat, Wolfie, has rear leg > weakness that is getting progressively worse. He's been seen by numerous > vets and it's not going to get any better. I'm guessing the leukemia is > finally getting the best of him. > > Anyway, I'm just wondering how much I should let him do. Initially my vet > said not to restrict him, that letting him use the muscles was good for > them. He is now starting to stumble or sit more often. He doesn't totally > fall over or anything, just gets a bit wobbly or sits down. If he's on > linoleum, he has much less control of his legs. He is still jumping up and > down on my bed, eating, purring, laying on my chest, going up and down > stairs, etc. I don't want him to get hurt and him doing the stairs makes me > so nervous. On the other hand, I don't want to restrict him out of fear. I > talked to the receptionist at the vet and she said if it was her cat, the > stairs would be off limits. This will be so tough because I have 3 other > cats, 1 very shy one that hides in the basement and only comes out when my > son is sleeping. I would have to force her to stay in the basement or out > of the basement (as opposed to having access to the cat door in the > basement door). The last thing I want is to see Wolfie get hurt but I > can't seem to think that if he gets to a point where he can't do the stairs, > he will stop doing them. Is that foolish? He is such an opinionated, > strong-willed cat and I know he will not be pleased if I restrict him in any > fashion. > > Oh and he doesn't have to do any stairs. He has food, water, and litter on > all floors. He just chooses to. > > Thoughts? > > Thanks > Amy > > > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
I thought about this too but I always thought arthritis was painful. I've had Wolfie for 6 years and while I know cats don't typically show pain, I'm pretty sure this one would let it be known. I'll definitely bring this up with my vet as well, though, in case I'm missing something. Thanks! Amy --- On Fri, 7/23/10, Chris wrote: > From: Chris > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 10:57 PM > Amy--am afraid I haven't been > following all the details of the various tests > & suggestions and I know it sounds stupid, but is there > any chance Wolfie > developed very bad early onset arthritis? > > Christiane Biagi > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
The potassium was fine at the last vet visit when he was checked for the leg weakness (about 4 weeks ago). I don't think they checked blood pressure. I'm hesitant to keep taking him in over and over for blood work as he has had non-regenerative anemia for almost a year now. --- On Fri, 7/23/10, Belinda Sauro wrote: > From: Belinda Sauro > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 11:58 PM > What is the kitties > potassium and blood pressure? > > -- Belinda > happiness is being owned by cats ... > > http://BelindaSauro.com > http://HostDesign4U.com > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
What is the kitties potassium and blood pressure? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://BelindaSauro.com http://HostDesign4U.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
There is a treatment out there that has successfully treated dry FIP.I am brain fried and cant think of the name but I found out about it because my cat had FIP, only the wet kind, and this injection was listed as a possible treatment. Its brand new and i'm sure you can get more info on it on one of the yahoo FIP groups. -Original Message- From: Amy Sent: 7/24/2010 2:14:51 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs Hi Tracy, Thanks for writing. Sorry to hear about your cat. I certainly understand you being bummed out. I don't think I could be more bummed out over all this. Any info is helpful to me at this point and I'm very grateful to be part of this list. Please keep me posted on what you find out about the FIP. I did come across FIP in my research on what could be causing Wolfie's leg problems. He has seen multiple vets so I guess I just assumed somebody would have picked up on that if he was showing any symptoms. I'll definitely bring it up though. I'm waiting to hear back from Cornell to see if I should take him there again. Amy --- On Fri, 7/23/10, Tracy Weese wrote: > From: Tracy Weese > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 5:40 PM > I remember when you posted initially > -- I responded that I, too, had a cat that began > experiencing rear leg weakness and then some head > tremors. Her blood work (a reg health screen) was > great (but for FeLV) so they sent her home and said watch > her and see if it gets better, worse, etc. Well, it > never got better so I took her in for xrays and the vet then > said that toxoplasmosis was a possiblity and one other thing > (crypto??) and so we ran specific tests for that -- the > xrays showed no tumors or lesions. > > The test results said NO toxo or "crypto", but it did show > corona virus and so now folks are thinking FIP (dry). > They are running a blood serum test now and then once I have > those results will decide whether there is any need to > explore further. > > My vet thinks it really must be FIP bec. of the FeLV status > and the neuro symptoms and the fact that the xrays were good > and the other blood tests were negative -- even though it is > sometimes hard to diagnoses FIP. So, I am really > bummed out and don't mean to bum you out, but did not know > if you explored this or not. Right now my cat is > eating well but still has that rear leg weakness and some > head tremors -- although they "seem" a little less (this > could be wishful thinking on my part). When she came > home from the xrays and while we were waiting on the toxo > results, the vet started her on clindamyacin which I > finished giving her this week. > > > > > -Original Message- > >From: Lorrie > >Sent: Jul 23, 2010 5:23 PM > >To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > >Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > > > >Amy, I've had several FelV cats with back leg problems, > and > >they seem to know when it's time to stop climbing > stairs or > >trying to jump up on things. I'd let him do what > he thinks > >he is up to doing. To restrict him would stress him, > and > >this is always bad for FelV cats. > > > >Lorrie > > > > > >On 07-23, Amy wrote: > > > >> Wondering if people would offer an opinion. > My cat, Wolfie, has > >> rear leg weakness that is getting progressively > worse. He's been > >> seen by numerous vets and it's not going to get > any better. I'm > >> guessing the leukemia is finally getting the best > of him. > >> > >> Anyway, I'm just wondering how much I should let > him do. Initially > >> my vet said not to restrict him, that > letting him use the muscles > >> was good for them. He is now starting > to stumble or sit more > >> often. He doesn't totally fall over or > anything, just gets a bit > >> wobbly or sits down. If he's on > linoleum, he has much less > >> control of his legs. He is still > jumping up and down on my bed, > >> eating, purring, laying on my chest, going > up and down stairs, > >> etc. I don't want him to get hurt and > him doing the stairs makes > >> me so nervous. On the other hand, I > don't want to restrict him > >> out of fear. I talked to the > receptionist at the vet and she said > >> if it was her cat, the stairs would be off > limits. This will be > >> so tough because I have 3 other cats, 1 very > shy one
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Amy--am afraid I haven't been following all the details of the various tests & suggestions and I know it sounds stupid, but is there any chance Wolfie developed very bad early onset arthritis? Christiane Biagi -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Amy Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 10:36 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs Laurie I remember you mentioning Coco having this and did add it to my list of possible causes. Was the problem able to be resolved? ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Amy--being irresponsible would have been if you hadn't given it a second thought! Wolfie sounds like a wonderful cat who knows his own mind and who lets you know what he wants & needs & what he can or can't do. After all, our kitties only let us THINK we're in charge--they KNOW that we really belong to them and not the other way around! Christiane Biagi -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Amy Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 10:21 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs Thanks to all that have replied. My gut tells me to let Wolfie do what he wants. That's the way it has always been with him and I don't think he'd have it any other way to be honest. I guess I just needed reassurance that I wasn't being an irresponsible mom. Thanks for all the support! Amy > From: Lorrie > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 5:23 PM > Amy, I've had several FelV cats with > back leg problems, and > they seem to know when it's time to stop climbing stairs > or > trying to jump up on things. I'd let him do what he > thinks > he is up to doing. To restrict him would stress him, and > this is always bad for FelV cats. > > Lorrie > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Yes. I changed her to canned Wellness and she is a happy healthy 14 year old, 6 years later! She is not FeLV+. They had to take muscle biopsies and sent them off to a clinic in Dallas or something. This is not something many vets can biopsy, I guess. I took her to Iowa State University Vet School in Ames, IA. Your vet could call them. We dealt with the neurologist. "Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Amy Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 9:36 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs Laurie I remember you mentioning Coco having this and did add it to my list of possible causes. Was the problem able to be resolved? ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Laurie I remember you mentioning Coco having this and did add it to my list of possible causes. Was the problem able to be resolved? ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Coco had Mynecrosis that the vets attributed to a nutritional deficiency after ruling out toxo and another cause. I was emptying an entire bag of dry Wellness into a Tupperware container. The thought was the oxygen rush depleted the food of Vitamin D/Selenium. Laurie "Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Amy Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 9:15 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs Hi Tracy, Thanks for writing. Sorry to hear about your cat. I certainly understand you being bummed out. I don't think I could be more bummed out over all this. Any info is helpful to me at this point and I'm very grateful to be part of this list. Please keep me posted on what you find out about the FIP. I did come across FIP in my research on what could be causing Wolfie's leg problems. He has seen multiple vets so I guess I just assumed somebody would have picked up on that if he was showing any symptoms. I'll definitely bring it up though. I'm waiting to hear back from Cornell to see if I should take him there again. Amy --- On Fri, 7/23/10, Tracy Weese wrote: > From: Tracy Weese > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 5:40 PM > I remember when you posted initially > -- I responded that I, too, had a cat that began > experiencing rear leg weakness and then some head > tremors. Her blood work (a reg health screen) was > great (but for FeLV) so they sent her home and said watch > her and see if it gets better, worse, etc. Well, it > never got better so I took her in for xrays and the vet then > said that toxoplasmosis was a possiblity and one other thing > (crypto??) and so we ran specific tests for that -- the > xrays showed no tumors or lesions. > > The test results said NO toxo or "crypto", but it did show > corona virus and so now folks are thinking FIP (dry). > They are running a blood serum test now and then once I have > those results will decide whether there is any need to > explore further. > > My vet thinks it really must be FIP bec. of the FeLV status > and the neuro symptoms and the fact that the xrays were good > and the other blood tests were negative -- even though it is > sometimes hard to diagnoses FIP. So, I am really > bummed out and don't mean to bum you out, but did not know > if you explored this or not. Right now my cat is > eating well but still has that rear leg weakness and some > head tremors -- although they "seem" a little less (this > could be wishful thinking on my part). When she came > home from the xrays and while we were waiting on the toxo > results, the vet started her on clindamyacin which I > finished giving her this week. > > > > > -Original Message- > >From: Lorrie > >Sent: Jul 23, 2010 5:23 PM > >To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > >Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > > > >Amy, I've had several FelV cats with back leg problems, > and > >they seem to know when it's time to stop climbing > stairs or > >trying to jump up on things. I'd let him do what > he thinks > >he is up to doing. To restrict him would stress him, > and > >this is always bad for FelV cats. > > > >Lorrie > > > > > >On 07-23, Amy wrote: > > > >> Wondering if people would offer an opinion. > My cat, Wolfie, has > >> rear leg weakness that is getting progressively > worse. He's been > >> seen by numerous vets and it's not going to get > any better. I'm > >> guessing the leukemia is finally getting the best > of him. > >> > >> Anyway, I'm just wondering how much I should let > him do. Initially > >> my vet said not to restrict him, that > letting him use the muscles > >> was good for them. He is now starting > to stumble or sit more > >> often. He doesn't totally fall over or > anything, just gets a bit > >> wobbly or sits down. If he's on > linoleum, he has much less > >> control of his legs. He is still > jumping up and down on my bed, > >> eating, purring, laying on my chest, going > up and down stairs, > >> etc. I don't want him to get hurt and > him doing the stairs makes > >> me so nervous. On
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Thanks to all that have replied. My gut tells me to let Wolfie do what he wants. That's the way it has always been with him and I don't think he'd have it any other way to be honest. I guess I just needed reassurance that I wasn't being an irresponsible mom. Thanks for all the support! Amy > From: Lorrie > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 5:23 PM > Amy, I've had several FelV cats with > back leg problems, and > they seem to know when it's time to stop climbing stairs > or > trying to jump up on things. I'd let him do what he > thinks > he is up to doing. To restrict him would stress him, and > this is always bad for FelV cats. > > Lorrie > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Hi Tracy, Thanks for writing. Sorry to hear about your cat. I certainly understand you being bummed out. I don't think I could be more bummed out over all this. Any info is helpful to me at this point and I'm very grateful to be part of this list. Please keep me posted on what you find out about the FIP. I did come across FIP in my research on what could be causing Wolfie's leg problems. He has seen multiple vets so I guess I just assumed somebody would have picked up on that if he was showing any symptoms. I'll definitely bring it up though. I'm waiting to hear back from Cornell to see if I should take him there again. Amy --- On Fri, 7/23/10, Tracy Weese wrote: > From: Tracy Weese > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 5:40 PM > I remember when you posted initially > -- I responded that I, too, had a cat that began > experiencing rear leg weakness and then some head > tremors. Her blood work (a reg health screen) was > great (but for FeLV) so they sent her home and said watch > her and see if it gets better, worse, etc. Well, it > never got better so I took her in for xrays and the vet then > said that toxoplasmosis was a possiblity and one other thing > (crypto??) and so we ran specific tests for that -- the > xrays showed no tumors or lesions. > > The test results said NO toxo or "crypto", but it did show > corona virus and so now folks are thinking FIP (dry). > They are running a blood serum test now and then once I have > those results will decide whether there is any need to > explore further. > > My vet thinks it really must be FIP bec. of the FeLV status > and the neuro symptoms and the fact that the xrays were good > and the other blood tests were negative -- even though it is > sometimes hard to diagnoses FIP. So, I am really > bummed out and don't mean to bum you out, but did not know > if you explored this or not. Right now my cat is > eating well but still has that rear leg weakness and some > head tremors -- although they "seem" a little less (this > could be wishful thinking on my part). When she came > home from the xrays and while we were waiting on the toxo > results, the vet started her on clindamyacin which I > finished giving her this week. > > > > > -Original Message- > >From: Lorrie > >Sent: Jul 23, 2010 5:23 PM > >To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > >Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > > > >Amy, I've had several FelV cats with back leg problems, > and > >they seem to know when it's time to stop climbing > stairs or > >trying to jump up on things. I'd let him do what > he thinks > >he is up to doing. To restrict him would stress him, > and > >this is always bad for FelV cats. > > > >Lorrie > > > > > >On 07-23, Amy wrote: > > > >> Wondering if people would offer an opinion. > My cat, Wolfie, has > >> rear leg weakness that is getting progressively > worse. He's been > >> seen by numerous vets and it's not going to get > any better. I'm > >> guessing the leukemia is finally getting the best > of him. > >> > >> Anyway, I'm just wondering how much I should let > him do. Initially > >> my vet said not to restrict him, that > letting him use the muscles > >> was good for them. He is now starting > to stumble or sit more > >> often. He doesn't totally fall over or > anything, just gets a bit > >> wobbly or sits down. If he's on > linoleum, he has much less > >> control of his legs. He is still > jumping up and down on my bed, > >> eating, purring, laying on my chest, going > up and down stairs, > >> etc. I don't want him to get hurt and > him doing the stairs makes > >> me so nervous. On the other hand, I > don't want to restrict him > >> out of fear. I talked to the > receptionist at the vet and she said > >> if it was her cat, the stairs would be off > limits. This will be > >> so tough because I have 3 other cats, 1 very > shy one that hides in > >> the basement and only comes out when my son > is sleeping. I would > >> have to force her to stay in the basement or > out of the basement > >> (as opposed to having access to the cat door > in the basement > >> door). The last thing I want is to see > Wolfie get hurt but I > >> can't seem to think that if he gets to a > point where he can't do > >> the stairs, he wi
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
You might consider a ramp or something like that so he can continue to get on the bed with you. If you acclimate him to it now, he can decide to use it on his own. On Jul 23, 2010, at 4:23 PM, Lorrie wrote: Amy, I've had several FelV cats with back leg problems, and they seem to know when it's time to stop climbing stairs or trying to jump up on things. I'd let him do what he thinks he is up to doing. To restrict him would stress him, and this is always bad for FelV cats. Lorrie On 07-23, Amy wrote: Wondering if people would offer an opinion. My cat, Wolfie, has rear leg weakness that is getting progressively worse. He's been seen by numerous vets and it's not going to get any better. I'm guessing the leukemia is finally getting the best of him. Anyway, I'm just wondering how much I should let him do. Initially my vet said not to restrict him, that letting him use the muscles was good for them. He is now starting to stumble or sit more often. He doesn't totally fall over or anything, just gets a bit wobbly or sits down. If he's on linoleum, he has much less control of his legs. He is still jumping up and down on my bed, eating, purring, laying on my chest, going up and down stairs, etc. I don't want him to get hurt and him doing the stairs makes me so nervous. On the other hand, I don't want to restrict him out of fear. I talked to the receptionist at the vet and she said if it was her cat, the stairs would be off limits. This will be so tough because I have 3 other cats, 1 very shy one that hides in the basement and only comes out when my son is sleeping. I would have to force her to stay in the basement or out of the basement (as opposed to having access to the cat door in the basement door). The last thing I want is to see Wolfie get hurt but I can't seem to think that if he gets to a point where he can't do the stairs, he will stop doing them. Is that foolish? He is such an opinionated, strong-willed cat and I know he will not be pleased if I restrict him in any fashion. Oh and he doesn't have to do any stairs. He has food, water, and litter on all floors. He just chooses to. Thoughts? Thanks Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
I remember when you posted initially -- I responded that I, too, had a cat that began experiencing rear leg weakness and then some head tremors. Her blood work (a reg health screen) was great (but for FeLV) so they sent her home and said watch her and see if it gets better, worse, etc. Well, it never got better so I took her in for xrays and the vet then said that toxoplasmosis was a possiblity and one other thing (crypto??) and so we ran specific tests for that -- the xrays showed no tumors or lesions. The test results said NO toxo or "crypto", but it did show corona virus and so now folks are thinking FIP (dry). They are running a blood serum test now and then once I have those results will decide whether there is any need to explore further. My vet thinks it really must be FIP bec. of the FeLV status and the neuro symptoms and the fact that the xrays were good and the other blood tests were negative -- even though it is sometimes hard to diagnoses FIP. So, I am really bummed out and don't mean to bum you out, but did not know if you explored this or not. Right now my cat is eating well but still has that rear leg weakness and some head tremors -- although they "seem" a little less (this could be wishful thinking on my part). When she came home from the xrays and while we were waiting on the toxo results, the vet started her on clindamyacin which I finished giving her this week. -Original Message- >From: Lorrie >Sent: Jul 23, 2010 5:23 PM >To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > >Amy, I've had several FelV cats with back leg problems, and >they seem to know when it's time to stop climbing stairs or >trying to jump up on things. I'd let him do what he thinks >he is up to doing. To restrict him would stress him, and >this is always bad for FelV cats. > >Lorrie > > >On 07-23, Amy wrote: > >> Wondering if people would offer an opinion. My cat, Wolfie, has >> rear leg weakness that is getting progressively worse. He's been >> seen by numerous vets and it's not going to get any better. I'm >> guessing the leukemia is finally getting the best of him. >> >> Anyway, I'm just wondering how much I should let him do. Initially >> my vet said not to restrict him, that letting him use the muscles >> was good for them. He is now starting to stumble or sit more >> often. He doesn't totally fall over or anything, just gets a bit >> wobbly or sits down. If he's on linoleum, he has much less >> control of his legs. He is still jumping up and down on my bed, >> eating, purring, laying on my chest, going up and down stairs, >> etc. I don't want him to get hurt and him doing the stairs makes >> me so nervous. On the other hand, I don't want to restrict him >> out of fear. I talked to the receptionist at the vet and she said >> if it was her cat, the stairs would be off limits. This will be >> so tough because I have 3 other cats, 1 very shy one that hides in >> the basement and only comes out when my son is sleeping. I would >> have to force her to stay in the basement or out of the basement >> (as opposed to having access to the cat door in the basement >> door). The last thing I want is to see Wolfie get hurt but I >> can't seem to think that if he gets to a point where he can't do >> the stairs, he will stop doing them. Is that foolish? He is such >> an opinionated, strong-willed cat and I know he will not be >> pleased if I restrict him in any fashion. >> >> Oh and he doesn't have to do any stairs. He has food, water, and >> litter on all floors. He just chooses to. >> >> Thoughts? >> >> Thanks >> Amy > >___ >Felvtalk mailing list >Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Amy, I've had several FelV cats with back leg problems, and they seem to know when it's time to stop climbing stairs or trying to jump up on things. I'd let him do what he thinks he is up to doing. To restrict him would stress him, and this is always bad for FelV cats. Lorrie On 07-23, Amy wrote: > Wondering if people would offer an opinion. My cat, Wolfie, has > rear leg weakness that is getting progressively worse. He's been > seen by numerous vets and it's not going to get any better. I'm > guessing the leukemia is finally getting the best of him. > > Anyway, I'm just wondering how much I should let him do. Initially > my vet said not to restrict him, that letting him use the muscles > was good for them. He is now starting to stumble or sit more > often. He doesn't totally fall over or anything, just gets a bit > wobbly or sits down. If he's on linoleum, he has much less > control of his legs. He is still jumping up and down on my bed, > eating, purring, laying on my chest, going up and down stairs, > etc. I don't want him to get hurt and him doing the stairs makes > me so nervous. On the other hand, I don't want to restrict him > out of fear. I talked to the receptionist at the vet and she said > if it was her cat, the stairs would be off limits. This will be > so tough because I have 3 other cats, 1 very shy one that hides in > the basement and only comes out when my son is sleeping. I would > have to force her to stay in the basement or out of the basement > (as opposed to having access to the cat door in the basement > door). The last thing I want is to see Wolfie get hurt but I > can't seem to think that if he gets to a point where he can't do > the stairs, he will stop doing them. Is that foolish? He is such > an opinionated, strong-willed cat and I know he will not be > pleased if I restrict him in any fashion. > > Oh and he doesn't have to do any stairs. He has food, water, and > litter on all floors. He just chooses to. > > Thoughts? > > Thanks > Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Oh Amy--WOlfie sounds like such a spunky little character! If he's jumping on the bed, etc., then he's still spry enough to do the stairs. And you know, when he can't do it, he won't try. He might just start meowing at the bottom or top of the stairs when he wants help going up or down. Cats are pretty sharp about stuff like that-LOL. So if it were me, I'd keep an eye but wouldn't restrict him or the other kitties at this point. My guess is that he'd hate the restrictions... Christiane Biagi -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Amy Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 2:27 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs Wondering if people would offer an opinion. My cat, Wolfie, has rear leg weakness that is getting progressively worse. He's been seen by numerous vets and it's not going to get any better. I'm guessing the leukemia is finally getting the best of him. Anyway, I'm just wondering how much I should let him do. Initially my vet said not to restrict him, that letting him use the muscles was good for them. He is now starting to stumble or sit more often. He doesn't totally fall over or anything, just gets a bit wobbly or sits down. If he's on linoleum, he has much less control of his legs. He is still jumping up and down on my bed, eating, purring, laying on my chest, going up and down stairs, etc. I don't want him to get hurt and him doing the stairs makes me so nervous. On the other hand, I don't want to restrict him out of fear. I talked to the receptionist at the vet and she said if it was her cat, the stairs would be off limits. This will be so tough because I have 3 other cats, 1 very shy one that hides in the basement and only comes out when my son is sleeping. I would have to force her to stay in the basement or out of the basement (as opposed to having access to the cat door in the basement door). The last thing I want is to see Wolfie get hurt but I can't seem to think that if he gets to a point where he can't do the stairs, he will stop doing them. Is that foolish? He is such an opinionated, strong-willed cat and I know he will not be pleased if I restrict him in any fashion. Oh and he doesn't have to do any stairs. He has food, water, and litter on all floors. He just chooses to. Thoughts? Thanks Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
First of all, kudos to you for being so careful with him. This can't be easy for you and from your posts here, I know you've been exploring many options to assist Wolfie. Others may have conflicting opinions, but I'm thinking Wolfie will tell you when he longer feels comfortable on the stairs. There's no need for him to use them if he doesn't feel confident, as you've made everything available to him on one level if he needs to stay on one level. My two cents! Sara -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Amy Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 11:27 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs Wondering if people would offer an opinion. My cat, Wolfie, has rear leg weakness that is getting progressively worse. He's been seen by numerous vets and it's not going to get any better. I'm guessing the leukemia is finally getting the best of him. Anyway, I'm just wondering how much I should let him do. Initially my vet said not to restrict him, that letting him use the muscles was good for them. He is now starting to stumble or sit more often. He doesn't totally fall over or anything, just gets a bit wobbly or sits down. If he's on linoleum, he has much less control of his legs. He is still jumping up and down on my bed, eating, purring, laying on my chest, going up and down stairs, etc. I don't want him to get hurt and him doing the stairs makes me so nervous. On the other hand, I don't want to restrict him out of fear. I talked to the receptionist at the vet and she said if it was her cat, the stairs would be off limits. This will be so tough because I have 3 other cats, 1 very shy one that hides in the basement and only comes out when my son is sleeping. I would have to force her to stay in the basement or out of the basement (as opposed to having access to the cat door in the basement door). The last thing I want is to see Wolfie get hurt but I can't seem to think that if he gets to a point where he can't do the stairs, he will stop doing them. Is that foolish? He is such an opinionated, strong-willed cat and I know he will not be pleased if I restrict him in any fashion. Oh and he doesn't have to do any stairs. He has food, water, and litter on all floors. He just chooses to. Thoughts? Thanks Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org __ NOD32 5306 (20100723) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org