In tribute to our brave soldiers, like my late father, I would like to share this lovely tribute. To all of those who sacrifice for our freedom and protection, and to all of their families who share this sacrifice, I would like to say thanks on this Memorial Day.
Last month, swarms of tornadoes tore threw the South with incredible destruction and loss of hundreds of lives.
However, as this news crew found when interviewing a survivor, even a month later, a lady’s beloved cat found its way home.
Sometimes our cats seem so aloof and disinterested in us, but this faithful fellow shows how much affection a cat can feel and how strong the emotional bond can be with its human! Go Cadey!
Did you know that cats can develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) just like humans?
Cat at Vet
Apparently, my cat has developed it, so I’ve been learning a lot about it these last few months.
There can be three different kinds, depending on where your cat’s digestive tract is inflamed:
My cat first started throwing up several months ago. Taking her to the regular vet did not help. Her exams came out okay, and all he could find was a slightly higher white blood cell count.
Then, we were referred to a specialist veterinary service. They took her in and did an abdominal ultrasound along with a lot of tests and treatment with pain medication. The tests were contradictory — one said she had lymphoma (CANCER – AAGH!) and one said she had pancreatitis. She was sent home on prednisone and she got better and better until she was off the medication and back to being her old self. I was so happy.
Then a few months later, she began throwing up again — every day. I called the special vet and asked what I should do now.
She explained that my cat probably had IBD. It is apparently becoming more and more common. She explained that part of her digestive tract had become inflamed and that there is no cure, just treatment. Since my cat throws up a lot, it looks like gastritis – inflammation of her stomach. Cats with IBD in the intestines can both vomit and have diarrhea or just have diarrhea.
One of the two main treatments is to change her diet — she is apparently having an immune response to something in her diet. She has always favored chicken — she only wanted to eat cat food or cat treats with chicken — not fish. One of the ways to treat IBD is to put the cat on a special diet recommended by the veterinarian and to make sure that it is a food with only a single protein source, and not one they have been used to. My vet recommended several different foods, but I found Natural Health Diet with Duck and Green Peas. Since she has been on it, she has not thrown up once.
Another treatment is to put the cat on a corticosteroid — the most likely one is prednisone, which my kitty is now on. It works as an anti-inflammatory for her painful inflamed stomach and as an immunosuppressive — meaning that it cuts back her sensitivity reaction to whatever ingredient in her food was making her sick.
Unlike the earlier, more dire, diagnoses, Inflammatory Bowel Disease can be treated with a change of diet and careful use of medication. She is back to being her old self again, which is such a relief.
Are you getting a new kitty?
Kitty Condo Starter Package
Great! However, when you get a new kitty, you need to get the kitty the things he will need — food and food bowls, litter box and litter, kitty toys, etc.
One thing your kitty will need is some kitty furniture. Little kitties love to climb around, play, jump, and scratch — a lot. One of the ways to keep your kitty happy is to get a kitty condo. That way, your new feline baby will have a place to play, jump, and scratch, and also have a nice snug hideaway for catnaps.
Getting cat furniture when you get a cat is always a very good idea. Cats will always want to scratch and pull claws — it is part of their nature. It is healthy and feels good. If you don’t want your cat to start scratching your furniture, introducing your new kitty to its own kitty furniture is an excellent way to start protecting your own furniture. Let your kitty know where you want him or her to be scratching — it will make you and your kitty both very happy.
Check out the May Special at http://www.catscatseverywhere.com/! You got 10% off the Kitty Combo Starter Package, which include the kitty condo, scratching post, kitty perch, hanging toys, extra kitty toys, and a bag of catnip to attract your new cat to its new furniture.
Start our life with your new kitty out with fun for everyone!