| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 2127.1 | | WITNES::HANNULA | Round Up the Usual Suspects | Tue Jan 10 1989 10:05 | 12 |
| Karen,
From the sounds of your note, it appears that Cinamon's condition
has been deteriorating alot recently. I would suggest a trip to
the vet, since Cinamon could be suffering from some minor illness
which could be easily corrected, as opoosed to suffering the pains
of old age. Even if Cinamon is suffering the pains of old age,
the vet may be able to give you something to make him feel better.
Good luck. It must be tough for you to see Cinamon in so much pain.
-Nancy
|
| 2127.2 | Suggestions | VAXWRK::DUDLEY | | Tue Jan 10 1989 10:17 | 13 |
| Karen,
Has Cinamon had a geriatric type check-up? I'd suggest
this for him if not. There are many ways that an aging
cat can be made more comfortable and that can potentially
lengthen their life. A dietary switch to KD is one thing
that comes to mind. If his kidney function is deterior-
ating, this will ease the load on them. If he's suffering
from arthritis, there are drugs that will help. Also,
perhaps a daily vitamin (like PETAB) might help with his
coat.
Donna
|
| 2127.3 | He may LOOK worse than he feels... | CPDW::MCDONOUGH | | Tue Jan 10 1989 11:54 | 13 |
| Just because he moves slower and doesn't have that "kitten" energy
doesn't necessarily mean hes in pain. As animals get older, they lose
the ability to romp and play a lot sooner than they do the desire.
My dad died in '87 at age 93. When he was younger--even into his late
'70's---he was a really active person...hiking, working, being a royal
pain to my brother who now owns the family farm.... When hw got into
his '80's, we began to notice the slowing down of the systems...This is
a natural occurance that we all must face sometime. However, my dad was
never in any type of severe pain until near the end after he broke his
hip. We never ONCE thought about having him euthanized!!( ;-} )
JM
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| 2127.4 | *poor Cinamon, poor Karen* | AIMHI::OFFEN | | Tue Jan 10 1989 12:33 | 15 |
| Karen,
How sad!!!!!!! It must be very hard on you as well as Cinamon.
I agree with the earlier replies. Maybe there IS something
that a Vet can do to make life a little easier for him.
Please let us know how he is doing.
Also, I just thought of something. Would putting a stool next
to the bed help Cinamon???
Sandi (Lightning, DejaVu & Thunder's mom)
|
| 2127.5 | | FRAGLE::PELUSO | | Tue Jan 10 1989 12:46 | 15 |
| Karen-
I'd take her to the vet too. I don't have experience with older
cats, but Nippa had some sort of bug, and it was not real visible
to me. We all thought she was mellowing out. A trip to the vet,
some drops, and a pill once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks has brought
her back to the way she used to be. When I go down at 6am, she
is at the door waiting to get out (breakfast??? whats that mom,
I like brunch!). So have Cinnamon checked out, and hopefully
it is just a bug. :^) If not there must be stuff to make the old
age easier?
M & N
|
| 2127.6 | | MYVAX::LUBY | DTN 287-3204 | Tue Jan 10 1989 13:03 | 22 |
|
Well, the monsters (T.K. and Bandit) are going to the vet at the
end of the month for their yearly checkup. I have to wait till
then because I can't afford it now. I'll take Cinamon then.
Luckily, my parents pay for Cinamons keep and vet bills. Cinamon
DID see the vet in October before coming to live with me since
I didn't want to expose my cats to anything Cinamon had (Cinamon
is an indoor/outdoor cat but not at my place).
I really do not think Cinamon has any bug, its just more of a
slow deterioration over the past few months although I think
my parents are in for a shock when they next see him. He seems
to be worst in the morning, or after a long sleep in the day.
Like I said, he is eating just fine, not losing any weight nor
gaining any. He just has lost movement in his rearend. If
you watch him walk, he moves he rear legs very stiffly. But
if there is some sort of pain killer that might help him, I'll
look into it. I also wonder if the temperature in my condo is
a factor. It is set at 55 in the day, 60 when home.
Karen
|
| 2127.7 | | VAXWRK::DUDLEY | | Tue Jan 10 1989 13:28 | 6 |
| Well, I can't speak for Cinamon but 55 is pretty cold to me!
You could be a complete sop like me and set up a heating pad,
covered with a blanket or cat bed, for Cinamon to sleep in.
This might help with the stiffness.
Donna
|
| 2127.8 | must consider all the possibilities | ERLANG::LEVESQUE | Torpedo the dam; Full speed astern! | Tue Jan 10 1989 16:53 | 35 |
| I guess I get to be the heavy. :-(
I definitely agree that a trip to the vets is in order. The real
question is should there be a return trip. Unfortunately, we humans
have a tendency to not do what's best for the cat. Often we do what's
best for our own emotional health. The bad part about that is that
the animal sometimes suffers for our own psychological contentment.
It is very difficult to have a pet euthanised, especially one that
has been in the family for a long time. I am not saying that you
should or should not have the animal put to sleep. What I am gently
suggesting is that you step back and try to think about what is best
for the cat.
It is quite difficult to detach yourself from the emotions you
have built up over the years towards your cat. If, when putting
the cats best interest first, you come to the conclusion that the
cat still has a quality life ahead of it, then by all means do what
you have to do to keep it. If you cannot come to the conclusion
that the cat would best be served by continuing to live, then make
the hard decision. Your cat has given you years of love. You owe
it to your cat to give it the best possible treatment, whatever
that may be.
Nobody _wants_ to take their cat to be put to sleep. Many times
a cat suffers needlessly because human frailty intereferes with
proper feline care. Sometimes the best thing that can happen for
the cat is to be put out of its misery.
Please understand that I am not judging your instance in any way.
I have not seen the cat so I don't really know what's best for it.
It is up to you to make that decision. I am only trying to show
the (admittedly unpopular) other side. I pray that you'll make the
right decision for your cat. In fact, I know you will. Peace.
The Doctah
|
| 2127.9 | Don't you think you should consult your parents | CRUISE::NDC | | Tue Jan 10 1989 19:37 | 18 |
| If Cinamon is Karen's parents' cat I don't think its Karen's place
to decide to put Cinamon to sleep. Unless it was an emergency
situation. (sorry, Karen, I'll address this to you rather than
talking about you in the third person.)
Karen, I suggest that you contact your parents and talk to them.
You could call the vet first - calls don't cost anything. He may
strongly suggest a visit based on what you've said. Then talk to
your parents, tell them what's going on and ask them to send you
money for the vet. Certainly you can come up with the money and
then have them reimburse you.
If I was in your parents place and found out that my cat had
been put to sleep without my knowledge I would be absolutely livid.
of course, that's me - I don't know your parents. You'll have to
call that one.
Hope all these notes help.
Nancy DC
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| 2127.10 | clarification on a touchy subject | ERLANG::LEVESQUE | Torpedo the dam; Full speed astern! | Wed Jan 11 1989 09:00 | 4 |
| Just to clarify- I didn't mean to imply that anything should be
done without the parents knowledge and consent.
The Doctah
|
| 2127.11 | Going to the vet | MYVAX::LUBY | DTN 287-3204 | Wed Jan 11 1989 09:15 | 24 |
|
Well, I have an appointment for Cinamon and the other two on
the 19th. That is the only night that the vet I want to see
in available. Cinamon hopped onto my bed this morning so I
guess he was a little less stiff. I think he might be cold
though since I found him buried in my blankets last night.
I've set up some blankets for him to sleep on in the living
room.
I'll be talking to my parents about Cinamon this week. Cinamon
is very special to them and I know that they will support any
decision that I make. I would NEVER have him put to sleep
without their knowledge. But I don't think Cinamons condition
is at that point yet. As long as he can eat well and use the
litter, and as long as he can get about, he is staying alive.
He even plays on occasion. Maybe I should try to get him to
play more often.
Well, gotta get some work done!
Thanks, and I'll let everyone know what the vet says.
Karen
|
| 2127.12 | | PIGGY::LEWIS | | Wed Jan 11 1989 10:35 | 6 |
| Sounds like the cold could be causing some discomfort.....maybe
a touch of arthritis? Also, the separation from his "parents"
might have something to do with it.
Bob
|
| 2127.13 | Things are looking up | MYVAX::LUBY | DTN 287-3204 | Thu Jan 12 1989 14:05 | 33 |
|
Well, Cinamon is looking much better. I think he might have
been suffering from neglect, as much as I hate to admit this. I've
been very busy lately and have been neglecting many important aspects
of my life (health, diet, exercise, friends). Luckily, things will
lighten up by February 18th once my waiver exams are over. Since
all my free time was spend glued to a text book, I didn't really
notice Cinamons decline.
Now that I've started giving Cinamon more attention, its amazing
the improvement that he's made in 3 days, which is what leads me
to believe he was suffering from neglect. He jumped up on the table
last night to help me study. His idea of helping me study is to
attack my pencils, sit on my book, sit under my hand as I absently
pet him and keep studying. He jumped onto my bed last night too!
Sure, the stiffness is still there, thats been a problem for 2 years.
And, what I said about his grooming habits deteriorating. Well,
his stomach and paws were kind of grey looking instead of bright
white. But I think that was caused by newsprint! Let me explain....
I used to use newspaper on the bottom of the litter pans to absorb
the wetness. Well, Cinamon apparently hated this because he did
his best to rip all the newspaper out of the pan onto the floor.
So, I stopped using newspaper last week and I think he is starting
to look white again. Meanwhile, I will be keeping an eye of his
cleaning habits and I will brush him more regularly. He loves this
anyhow!
And, Cinamon will still be going to the vet just for reassurance
but things definately look better!
Karen
|
| 2127.14 | Try this | MEMV01::CROCITTO | It's Jane Bullock Crocitto now | Thu Jan 12 1989 15:28 | 28 |
| Hi Karen--
Your last note was encouraging! Keep us posted.
Here's another idea, and I got this either from this notesfile or
"Cat Fancy" (the ideas and help are great from both): The Kitty
Massage. Don't laugh--they love it.
My Billie is almost 11, and still shows no sign of old age, but
I try to stay attentive to grooming, litter, eating habits, etc.
A few times a week, I get down on the floor with her, and start
grooming her. Once she's all mellowed out, I put the brush down
and start massaging from the face to the hips joints. You very
gently rub the corners of the jaw, temples, ears; then work to
the shoulder joint, the back and the hips. This accomplishes
three things--1) You can feel for any lumps or abnormalities,
2) You bring warmth and better circulation to the joints, and 3)
Your cat will love it!! Billie turns into a big puddle of mush
when I do this to her, and steps up her purring a few decibels.
I would strongly suggest a visit to the vet first and tell him
about the massage--just be sure that the cat doesn't have an
injury or a condition where this will hurt him. If your cat
has arthritis, this massage can really help.
Good luck!
Jane
|
| 2127.15 | | MYVAX::LUBY | DTN 287-3204 | Fri Jan 13 1989 08:42 | 18 |
|
Re: .14.
That massage doesn't sound like a bad idea.
Last night Cinamon and I played attack the mouse under the rug!
He was rolling all over the place kicking at the rug and T.K.
and Bandit even joined in the fun! Luckily Cinamons claws
can't penetrate the oriental rug or my hand would be a mess!
He was wild! I was so glad to see him being playful. He did
lose interest quickly once the other two joined in. I don't
think he likes to share....
Cinamon also slapped T.K. for being too rough! Those two need
someone to keep them in hand and Cinamon does a great job!
Karen
|
| 2127.16 | MASSAGING IS GREAT! | LDP::CORCORAN | | Fri Jan 13 1989 12:09 | 13 |
|
I saw a program on TV that explained how great it was for any cat
(or dog) to be massaged. It's great for the circulation and can
releave arthritis tensions.
My Ebony sure loves it............
Barbara, Ebony & Ivory
PS to Karen, glad to hear your baby's feeling better, but do take
him to the vet as planned and keep us informed!!
|
| 2127.17 | massage | STAR::BARTH | | Fri Jan 13 1989 12:41 | 14 |
| I too, second the idea of pet massage. I first heard about it in
a book called "How to be Your Dog's Best Friend" by the Monks of
New Skete. It's also useful for neurotic, stressed or touch-shy
animals. They recommended about 20 minutes of quiet massage, with
no distractions and no patting. Just gentle, stroking motion,
keeping one hand on the animal at all times. When we got our
second dog (who had been abused and neglected) we used massage
to help her over her touch-shyness. All four of our pets love
to be massaged! It's also good if you don't have the time for
your pets that you'd like. A little massage goes a long way.
Now, if only I could train them to massage me!
Karen, Tristan and Tenzing.
|
| 2127.18 | He said Cinamon looked good for almost 14 years | MYVAX::LUBY | DTN 287-3204 | Fri Jan 20 1989 08:55 | 51 |
|
Well, we all went to the vet last night!
The whole thing was rather amusing. I had only one carrier
so I put Cinamon in it since he has a tendency to get car
sick. Bandit and T.K. got to ride loose in the car which
they have done before and were very good about it.
When we got there I couldn't figure any other way to get
them into the office so I crammed all three of them into the
carrier. Boy was that funny! Nobody could move! I rushed
them into the office and asked if I could have an exam
room ASAP so they put me in one. I opened up the cage and
Bandit came popping out. He was the last one stuffed into
the cage so the first one out. Now, you all know that Bandit
is a rather timid guy (or so I thought) but he was very
interested in checking everything out and explored the whole
exam room while we waited. He only got upset when I left
them alone in the room to go fill out some papers.
T.K. and Cinamon, on the other hand, would not come out of
the carrier! T.K., who thinks he is Mr Macho, was scared!
I couldn't believe it and couldn't stop laughing at the
tough guy turned wimp! Cinamon, who is very familiar with
vets (after 14 years of them) just had no intention of
making himself available. So, Cinamon lounged in the cage
and T.K. cowered next to him!
Well, Dr Jullian came in, examamined Cinamon, and told me
he looked great for 14 years of age. He weighed in at 11-1/2
pounds, had enough fat on him, temperature was fine, eyes
perfect. What a relief!
T.K. weighs only 10 pounds, and Bandit weighed 13. I thought
Bandit was heavier! I also thought I would be told to put
him on a diet but Dr Jullian said he was just fine!
Going home was a little different. Dr Jullian helped
me carry out the cats so I didn't have to cram them all in
the carrier. Before anybody gets mad at me about the carrier,
they were only in it for 5 minutes, and I plan to get a new
one as soon as I can afford it.
By the way, Dr Jullian is kinda cute! I didn't happen to
notice if he was married, only because I have a boyfriend
but if he isn't, he'd make a great catch for someone! Hint,
Hint...
Karen
|
| 2127.19 | hi karen!!!! | AIMHI::MCCURDY | | Fri Jan 20 1989 12:55 | 9 |
| Karen, we were there tuesday...!!!!..we had dr dobbs!!!...Pookie
spent the day....heh-heh- and she is fine,,, thank heavens..
dr Dobbs got abig kick out of her royal highness..she came in
with her fur rug, her binky, her mr mouse,her pink dinosaur,.
her lunch, her dessert,(baby food)an afternoon snack.. she was going
to bring a book, but we didnot get to the library,, she just finished
war and peace, and this monthes issue of MONEY!!!.. TEE-HEE..
regards
kate
|
| 2127.20 | Or, does she just read the Classics? | WITNES::HANNULA | Round Up the Usual Suspects | Fri Jan 20 1989 13:15 | 7 |
| So Kate,
When will Pookie start "The Ultimate Entrepreneur"?
We'll all be waiting for her critique.
-Nancy
|
| 2127.21 | | CRUISE::NDC | | Fri Jan 20 1989 14:46 | 5 |
| Hey Kate,
I think you should get Pookie a copy of "CATMOPOLITAN" and
"VANITY FUR"!
Nancy!
|
| 2127.22 | ... a true sign of a purebreed is.. being well read.. | AIMHI::MCCURDY | | Fri Jan 20 1989 16:22 | 22 |
| .20,.21
Well, according to Pookie, who tells everyone that my paycheck
is her weekly allowance. she will probably read the book
very soon, she usually likes to bring a book when she goes
to the groomer,, it helps her relax whne she is under the
dryer...... she/ we have a copy of catmopolitan..... she did
not like PAWLINA-WHATSHER FUR!!!.. MEOWR.... HISSSSSSSSSSS..
HMMMM.... Vanity Fur..... Pookie does enjoy the classics..
Barons...Time, News week... Fortune.... she did tell me
that perhaps her and Ken should meet.. after all they
have her mummy in commion, and Pookie likes to make sure
her future is secure....I can see it now...!!!!! heh=heh..
well Ken it is like this.. we need more money, I
need mummy to put aside more money for my future needs...
a new limo, 401k's, retirement home in warm climate,
Happys bail money.. er I mean.... Happys entertainment /
contribution to the BAR ASSOC. TO help those students get thru law
school....
heh-heh
regards
Kate
|