Tuesday June 16, 1998 18 Message(s) ======================================== Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 08:45:54 +0100 From: "Sonja Lnders" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Couldn't help it Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear Paula, I know exactly how you felt when you first saw that little one, I can' resist them either, thats how there are 10 1/2 here with me now (the half being the territory tom calling for meals almost daily, but leaving as soon as fed). What a lucky Benito you needed gas just then! Have patience, he will get less nervous with time as he learns he can trust you - it took Schurli over 2 months to come inside in spite of rainstorms, he was so shy, and he panicked and peed on my bed the first time he found the door closed! Lots of love and best wishes to you all (how many ?, I'm rather new on the list) from Portugal to Chile! Sonja ---------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 09:07:00 +0100 From: "Sonja Lnders" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Wonderful news about Rissa-Tai Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net What wonderful news! It is so heartening to know such improvements are possible! All best wishes to you and Rissa-Tai (what a lovely name, too)! Love from Portugal, Sonja ---------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 08:47:52 -0500 (CDT) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: james wilson cc: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Fwd: Jade update Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Kelly, Glad to hear Jade is doing well, although I am sorry for his blindness. >From what everyone has said and what I understand, given time, he'll adjust fine as long as he feels good otherwise. This must be very difficult for you right now--you adjusting to his being blind. Please know that we are thinking of you. Nancy ---------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 08:50:47 -0500 (CDT) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Couldn't help it Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Sonja, Schurli is one lucky little kitty to have you as his caretaker! Nancy ---------------------------------------- From: Paula Lazo To: "'Felv Talk List'" Subject: Benito's update Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 10:35:31-0400 Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear friends: Thank you so much for your good wishes, thanks Judy, Sonja, Barb, Nancy, Paula, Barbara, Gina, Kathy G and Kat and all of you who wrote me concerning Benito. The vet will visit him today, but I wanted to share some things with you all. Last night he developed a small diahrrea (twice and not much with little drops of blood), and I noticed that he drank lots of water. I took his food away from last night until now (I'm at work so he's by himself at the apartment). I called another vet today (you see I have one vet who comes to the apartment and one clinic I go to when tests are needed), the one from the clinic and explained to him Benito's symptoms. He told me it was nothing to be worried about for now but if the diahrrea goes on I'll have to take him to the clinic. He told me that probably eating this new food (and real cat food) caused Benito an upset stomach, the tiny drops of blood are from an upset intestin. I don't know, I'm so worried my friends. I went through a lot with Lucky, that although I knew that having Benito involved certain risks, I do hope for him to be a healthy cat. I've also noticed that he sleeps a lot, especially when I turn on the heating stuff I have (it's a stove though I'm not sure if that's the word in english because I now you dont' use or at least I haven't seen these appliances in the US, anyways it's a thing to warm your house and it isn't for cooking :-)), he just lays down in front of it, he plays and he rolls and purrs when I pat him, sometimes he walks around and jumps to the bed but sooner after that he comes back to lay in front of the heat (it's a cold fall right now in Santiago). I don't know maybe he's relaxing for the first time in his kitty life, but he does sleep a lot. I'd appreciate very much any input or advice on this matter. Today he'll get his rabies shot and will be wormed (sp?). Thanks for your concern and advice Paula and Benito ---------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 09:54:56 -0600 Subject: RE: Benito's update To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Paula-- Congratualtions on your new addition! Benito sounds like a sweetie! I think the sleeping in front of the stove is very normal...my cats sleep on top of the floor heater vents when it's cool outside. Also cats are big sleepers--I am getting the following info from a handy little book I have on cat care: "You & Your Cat" by David Taylor. Cats on average sleep 16 hours a day! Twice as much as we do--so don't worry too much about this behavior! I also checked about blood in diarrhea-- okay--you're not giving Benito any milk products, right? (many cats and kittens can't tolerate cow's milk etc.) If it becomes more than a few drops of blood, you should consult a vet immediately. If not, the wait and see approach your vet recommended seems reasonable. Question 2--Has the cat vomitted, too? If yes, go to the vet. Q3--Does Benito seem depressed? If yes, go asap to vet. Q4 Apart from diarrhea, does cat seem well? If yes, Taylor's book says this is prob. a mild infection and the cat should be all right. Since you are consulting a vet about this, I think you have your bases covered. You have done everything else the book recommends (ie you've taken Benito in for his vacs and for tests). One thing, though. You might want to wait until Benito has fought off the diarrhea before getting him the rabies vac., as the vacs should not be given if the cat is feeling ill (says so on the manufacturer's package but for some reason vets often don't follow this advice). Paula, I know you can't help feeling worried after losing your babies Lucky & Mancha, but Benito is probably fine, and if he is infected, we are all here to support you and offer what help we can. Susan ---------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 10:57:30 +0100 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: BILL BEAMISH Subject: Re: Benito's update Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Paula, If I were you I'd try not to worry too much right now. I know that's hard considering you just lost Lucky but I think Benito is just adjusting to his new life (and probably feeling like he's in heaven!). The diarrhea and blood in his stool is most likely caused by his adjustment from eating garbage to "real" food and the blood may even be from worms. This same thing has happened to several strays I've taken in. This is also probably the first time he's had access to fresh, good water so he's drinking a lot, and looking for food and water continuously on the streets, not to mention trying to avoid all kinds of dangers probably gets to be pretty tiring, so now that he feels safe and secure, most likely for the first time in his life, he's trying to catch up on some sleep! Are you talking about a space heater? Some of us "older folks" may remember those! Cats love heat so it's not unusual for him to sleep in front of the heater. Even in the summer, several of my cats sleep on top of my running dryer. Sometimes I don't know how they can stand it, it's very warm out and they are very warm to the touch but they love it! Don't worry about him just yet. I'm praying he'll test negative for everything! Take care. Judy ---------------------------------------- From: "Moermond, Barbara" To: "'felvtalk@MailingList.net'" Subject: RE: Monday Candle Service 6-15, Part 2 Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 10:01:50 -0500 Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan, could you add Ninja to the list? For continued success in treatment of meningioma and FeLV - Barb+Ninja Thanks!! Barb+Ninja ---------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 11:04:31 -0400 (EDT) From: Kat To: "'Felv Talk List'" Subject: Re: Benito's update Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Paula, Benito's diarrhea can really be because of the new food! The cats at the shelter that I volunteer at go through this whenever their food is changed. (Being a shelter, we take whatever's donated, regardless of the brand.) The little bit of blood could signify worms - it's very likely that he has some sort of worms, being an outside cat having to scrounge around for whatever he can get to eat..., but it's not such a big deal. You should get a sample of his diarrhea (as fresh as possible) to give to the vet to check for worms, and then the vet can give you the appropriate medicine to get rid of them. I wouldn't be too concerned with his sleeping too much yet - it must be a luxury for him to be able to sleep without worrying if some other animal is lurking around, or out to attack him. I'm sending hugs to both of you!! Kat -------------------------------- Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 11:09:08 -0400 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Angela Holderby Subject: Re: Benito's update Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Don't borrow trouble! Just wait and see what the vets say about Benito. I, too, would be very concerned about the blood and the diarrhea, but as you said, this is likely the first time he has had good food and it is possible his system just can't handle it yet. If it persists, then you can panic later. Also, the sleeping thing...we all have seen our cats sleep more in warmth. My cats absolutely LIVE to curl up in front of the fireplace. When we have a fire built, they probably sleep twice as much as normal...and it sounds to me like you may be exactly right about him just relaxing and enjoying himself. If he purrs and rolls when you pet him, he is probably feeling fine. Can you imagine his life before? He probably NEVER had the opportunity to just lie down and relax in warmth and comfort with a fully belly. My cats are pampered beyond belief, and they sleep most of the day. They nap on the bed for awhile, then go nap in front of the window in the sunshine and when they are worn out from all that napping, they go eat and then curl up and nap when my kids go to sleep in the afternoon. BUT, I have noticed with all of the cats I have had that they tend to burst into action late at night. If Benito doesn't play and acts lethargic or lazy at night if you try to play with him, then I would consider that abnormal behavior. Please don't stress yourself too much just yet. I know how hard it must be after all you went through before, but this could turn out to be nothing. I know all about panic. Every time Lefty sneezes, I tense up worried about what is next, but you may have a perfectly healthy kitten on your hands--just prepare yourself to deal with that!!!! Sending you healthy vibes for a good report. Angela. (and Poncho & Lefty) ---------------------------------------- From: "Moermond, Barbara" To: "'felvtalk@MailingList.net'" Subject: RE: Benito's update Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 10:09:18 -0500 Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Paula, I think that you don't have anything to worry about. My mom's old cat, Samantha, would sleep on top of the hot air registers (forced air heating system) in the winter. All day long. She lived to be 22. We think that it was the heat on her old bones is what kept her going for so long. She was deaf and had the crabbiest voice, but she was a good friend. And my Ninja will sleep under my bed next to the wall where the heater is. Benito is probably just enjoying the luxuries of being a house cat. Keep us posted! Barb+Ninja ---------------------------------------- From: Paula Lazo To: "'felvtalk@MailingList.net'" Subject: About Benito Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 11:26:19 -0400 Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear Susan: Thank you so much for your concern and info. Benito hasn=B4t vomitted yet and he doesn't look depressed and he looks well. I think you're probably right and I've also heard that it isn't adviceable to give any shots when showing signs of illness. I'll talk to the vet later and see if it's OK for Benito to get his first vaccine today. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for your support Paula and Benito ---------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 10:19:58 -0600 Subject: RE: Monday Candle Service 6-15, Part 2 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi, Barb, I've added Ninja to the special needs list! You're very welcome. Susan ---------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 10:35:08 -0600 Subject: RE: Monday Candle Service 6-15, Part 2 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net I don't know why I put an exclamation point there, Barb. That Gingko I've been taking to improve my brain functions just hasn't kicked in yet. ;-> BTW, I think these vibes, prayers, healing thoughts really do help, so let's keep it up. It's so easy to get depressed when dealing w/ serious illness, but as a collective source of positive energy we can and do really help each other out. Susan ---------------------------------------- From: GinaTex@aol.com Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 11:49:02 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Mime-Version: 1.0 Subject: Re: Strange and unusual behavior Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Chere Thanks that is okay, I will be looking for your message. Little Elizabeth has not done taht again, but we are keeping an eye on her Gina and JoAnn ---------------------------------------- From: GinaTex@aol.com Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 12:06:20 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Benito's update Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Paula, I would not over worry about the diarhea, cats whose diet was changed develope that problem. No telling what sort of garbage he ate on the streets. The blood sounds like he has worms which is not unusual for a street cat to have. Just bring in a sample of his stool to the vets and they will be able to determine which worms he has and treat him. As far as the sleeping cats do sleep an avg of 16 hours a day, all of my kitties sleep all day long till we are ready to go to bed then boom they are all up running around the house like wild elephants bouncing off the walls and everything. This is probaly the first time that Benito has been able to rest with both eyes closed and in the warmth, even in the summer months our cats lay in the direct sunlight soaking up the heat, and in the winter they lay in front of the radiators. Cats love the warmth. Just watch him for any depressed behavior or if he is acting lethargic and not wanting to do anything at all. Keep in touch with your vet. But it sounds to me that he is living it up and feeling like he must be in heaven. Good luck keep us all posted Gina -------------------------------- Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 09:44:40 -0700 (PDT) From: diana@wetware.com (CatWoman ) To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Benito's update Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Paula - one thing you might want to do for Benito is to give him chicken baby food - or boneless, skinless chicken breasts stewed in distilled water and osterized - for a day or so. This is very bland, and can help tummies trying to adjust to new situations (including stress). When I brought the feral babies in from outside, they were throwing up and passing pebbles, bits of wood, dirt, leaves, and some other stuff we never could identify (probably something rubber - looked like a turkey wattle!). Their tummies settled down within a few days with the plain chicken diet. Diana ---------------------------------------- From: meowmama@bellsouth.net Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 13:23:32 -0400 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Benito's update Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Paula, I hope everything will be ok with you new little boy. I think the diahrrea with a little blood is not something to panic about unless it continues and you see some other symptoms. Also, it sounds like he's just learning to live inside and enjoy all the comforts thereof. As for the sleeping, it could be because being in the wild he had to sleep with one eye open, so to speak, in case of predators. And he may not be used to being warm and is just loving it. Give it a few days and see how things go - and let us know! Hugs, -- Kathy G and the 3 furries in Daytona Beach =^.^= Rusty =^.^= Smokey =^.^= Money see us at: http://cgi.gambitsys.com/homey/webdoc5.htm The Cat: Mother Nature's Masterpiece -------------------------------- END