My current cat, Theo, is an SPCA alumni who was diagnosed with a terminal heart condition shortly after adoption. At the time the cardiologist was unsure how much time we might have together; a year or two, a month or two. It can be so hard to put a number to these disease processes. Instead, we live life together, one day at a time. Part One can be found here and Part Two can be found here.
My current cat, Theo, is an SPCA alumni who was diagnosed with a terminal heart condition shortly after adoption. At the time the cardiologist was unsure how much time we might have together; a year or two, a month or two. It can be so hard to put a number to these disease processes. Instead, we live life together, one day at a time.
[My beloved Rupert, a big cat in a small world, patiently squishing himself into his scratching post bed. He got cold very easily and loved his assortment of sweaters and coats in the harsh Northern winter.]
You can’t save them all. How many times have we as veterinary professionals or even we as clients heard that phrase? It becomes a mantra at work during the bad days, a way to compartmentalize away the deaths and euthanasias that happen on your watch, the terminal diagnoses, the weeping owners, the pets who don’t know they live under a death sentence. My record of saves is good, maybe a little above average, but every now and then a pet comes along that reminds me — I can’t save them all, no matter how hard I try.
[Examining urine and feces under the microscope is a huge (if gross) part of my job. It’s important to figure out whether Fluffy is peeing outside the box because they’re angry, or because they’ve got an infection!]
I love the smell of cat pee in the morning…said no one ever. Feline inappropriate elimination (peeing and pooping outside the box) is one of the number-one reasons we see cats at the vet. There are a few things which may cause Fluffy to mistake your linen cupboard for the great outdoors — read on for a quick overview of what might be behind your kitty’s toileting issues (and what we can do to help!)