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Post by Olivia from MissPetPaws
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First-time pet parents take Biden kitten for hernia surgery
When you don’t know what you’re doing – parenting cats through surgery isn’t straightforward. Read the trials and tribulations of these first – pet parents as they get Bidey bear through his health issues…
Hi there! Well, first of all, I’d like to thank Crystal for giving me the opportunity to write on her cool blog. I’m Olivia and I run a new cat blog MissPetPaws.
So, well this blog is all about Biden and his hernia surgery. Biden is my eleven-month-old kitten that we rescued here in Bulgaria. He’s named after Joe Biden (VP 47). Regardless, of political affiliation, I think we can all agree that Joe Biden is affectionate. As is my Biden kitten. They are both grey. And handsome. So we’ll leave it at that. Politics and cat blogs are a No No!
When we first rescued Biden he was a three-month-old runt of the litter and had managed to hurt his eye. When we took him to the vet I was shocked as they pulled a 2-inch twig out of his eye socket. He recovered just fine!
He also had an umbilical hernia but it wasn’t something urgent we were told. We also have a cat called Kinsey who is a little older at around a year and five months. After a nervous introduction, Kinsey just adored her little brother.
She insisted on licking him from head to toe, regardless of whether he was asleep or had been licked from head-to-toe, already ten times.
But as is the case with many things in life, things changed. Biden grew older and obviously tried to mate Kinsey. That she wasn’t too bothered with while she was on heat. They were still best of friends.
What she took serious offense to was when Biden began spraying around 2 months ago. The vet explained what they are saying is, “This is my territory,” when they spray. Kinsey, on the other hand, was clearly of the opinion this place is her territory. And she graciously allows him to live here because she’s besotted with him. As soon as he started marking territory she was livid with him. 24/7.
Now, even the vet said Kinsey is wild. And I’ll second that.
So it was a real shame to watch a beautiful relationship turn into one that was so bad, they needed separating. Biden also took to caterwauling incessantly. So, it was definitely time to have Biden neutered and his hernia operated on, also.
Except nothing is quite so simple when you are first-time cat parents. Now, I’ve had dogs all my life, and I was of the opinion the same rules apply.
But they don’t. Do they?
Now, I am not saying dogs enjoy the vets. Especially after a bad experience. But however much your dog does not want to go to the vet, you’ll drag him into the car, all 100 pounds of him, if need be.
But jeez, you’ll get your dog to the vet. Somehow. It won’t savage you.
Try getting a cat that’s less than 10 pounds to the vet, if it really doesn’t want to. And you can think again! It has twenty razor-sharp barbs attached to powerful muscles making the cat virtually the best hunter on the planet.
And if she doesn’t want to go to the vet – she’s not going.
So the first mistake I made was the carrier. I try to look after as many stray cats as I can and as such, I had placed the carrier in the small yard we have. That way, a cold cat could crawl in and get a little respite from the freezing weather.
What I didn’t do was clean this carrier completely before I tried getting Biden into it. A number of male cats had sprayed around it and poor Biden became freaked out with the carrier. Understandably.
He went absolutely crazy and it was impossible to get him into the carrier without him almost ripping his claws into us. So then we got a new carrier and he jumped in just fine. So we headed to the vet expecting to be able to leave him there for his operation. Hmm…
Trip 1
Off to the vet, we went. Biden had some tests to check out his blood before the operation but he had a virus of some kind. He needed antibiotics before his operation.
Trip 2
Ten days later, he refused to get in his carrier and from this point on it was a case of having to sedate him. The first time he ate a bit of sedated food and we managed to get him to the vet. But his blood work showed his clotting still wasn’t great. So more antibiotics.
Trip 3
The next time, he knew what the sedative tasted like so when I put the sedative in the food he wouldn’t eat it. Consequently, I turned up at the vets empty-handed in need of another sedative.
Next, we managed to trick him by squeezing the sedative into his mouth as he played with the syringe. But he still needed another week for his blood work to improve a little more.
Trip 4
By now he knew that the sedative was in the syringe. So he wouldn’t play with it. So now it was a case of playing with him and getting his mouth open and suddenly squeezing it in. That worked. So off to the vet, he went again. This time his bloodwork still could have been better. But the senior vet said it was okay and they could deal with any difficulties.
So finally he had the operation.
He came around from his operation and proceeded to rip off his collar. Then he went for his stitches. So we had to tie his collar on tighter. He was a very angry and frustrated kitten for a while. But he got used to it in the end and recovered well. He stopped spraying completely.
Trip 5
But then after a week, he refused to accept that he’d had surgery and insisted on leaping, hurling, and jumping. We went back to the vet to get another sedative as we were worried about him. Except this time was the most difficult ye,t attempting to get a sedative in his mouth with a collar. Once again it was the element of surprise that was key to administering the sedative this time. We were worried about nothing and his hernia is supposed to feel lumpy still.
Trip 6
Then when it was time to have his stitches out. We missed with the sedative. It landed on me, not in Biden’s mouth. So it was another trip to the vet without a cat in need of a sedative.
This time we picked up two sedatives in case we missed again. The last time it was once again, surprise and some force, the key mission tactics. My partner had been giving him the sedative so Biden was not expecting a syringe forced in his mouth quickly by me. He sank a claw into my one of my fingers and I took the pain as I held him to make sure the sedative went in.
And then we were done. Nearly 2 months and 10 sedatives later. One happy, healthy, hernia-free, neutered kitten full of fun and love.
And a few hours hours after the sedative wore off he decided that carriers were his new favorite place. We can’t get him out of either of the two carriers. As soon as his phobia appeared it disappeared. That’s cats for you!
So What have we learned?
Well, for a start even the vet acknowledged that it’s pretty much impossible to get cats to stop jumping about after surgery. Your cat might have hernia surgery at any age. But it’s also quite likely you’ll have surgery performed on a kitten with it being an umbilical hernia or a birth defect. So kittens do jump around. Try not to worry.
Biden tore his collar off Houdini-style overnight about ten days after surgery. He didn’t lick his wound at all though. So it may be worth giving it a shot without the collar and see how your cat gets on.
Apparently, castration doesn’t solve behavioral problems in all cats. But the success rate is around 90%. And it’s worked with Biden. Kinsey is no longer hostile and aggressive with him. Their play gets frantic at times as they haven’t worked out who is boss. But the change has been quick and remarkable. They are able to eat from the same plate and they are even cleaning each other now. So looks like the love is returning.
But ultimately we’ve learned that it’s so important to be able to get your cat in a carrier. I can’t stress that enough. Biden has overcome his phobia instantaneously which is unusual. But, I realize what a ridiculous situation we were in. You simply can’t own a cat and not be able to get it in a carrier. Imagine the awful but quite possible scenario in the course of a cat’s lifetime that she is injured or is taken ill quickly. And you can’t get your beloved cat in a carrier to get it help she desperately needs.
Not least that we hope to travel soon and it will mean we take connecting flights. With it being a long journey we’ll let the cats out in a hotel room. But what if you can’t reliably get your cat back in? And you are trying to take sedatives in syringes in your hand luggage? And it’s hit and miss and stress inter-connecting flights?
So I checked out some of the best tricks and tips to get your cat in a carrier.
Of course, top of my list in an emergency was cat-expert Jackson Gallery. He has a number of tips to help out.
He suggests turning half of the box into a cozy den first and then building the rest of the carrier around your cat as she gets comfortable.
So if your cat currently won’t get in a carrier, please do take the time to get her accustomed so you don’t go through what we have!
If you’d like to drop by MissPetPaws just follow the link. Thanks for reading.
I Can Smell Christmas In The Breeze…
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Cats Rule Our Hearts!
Cats Rule Our Hearts!
If you feel sad, I will be your smile
If you cry, I will be your comfort.
And if someone breaks your heart,
You can use my love to live and to be by our side together!
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A FRIENDLY REMINDER
I’m very sad. You see a while ago I sent out a bunch of invites to do guest posts. Although a bunch of you accepted my invites I’ve only seen a few guest posts(4 to be exact). This is not only disheartening but really sad too.
So I thought I’d show you the invites sent, invites accepts and who took the initiative to do their guest posts already.
INVITES SENT —(47)
L.M.G. Miller
fourleggedfurball(AT)gmail(Dot)com: Written this way for security.
Mabeautility
petsoverload(AT)gmail(Dot)com
15andmeowing
sidilbradipo1
Kristi Ann
Dakota/Caren/Cody
Eliza Waters
BellaDharma’s LadyMew
hello(AT)frontseatseatryder(Dot)com
advoffzkug(AT)gmail(Dot)com
Lisa
kittyclysmblog(AT)gmail(Dot)com
Claire Yang
angelswhisper2011
Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC
mommakatandherbearcat
jan1961(AT)gmail(Dot)com
Charlotte
onespoiledcat
Valentine
Yael Ben-Ari
roseytoessews(AT)talktalk(Dot)net
DashKitten
da-AL
catlady(DOT)natascha(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
erinthecatprincess
Kathe W.
Patricia
Cally
night(DOT)prose(AT)gmail(DOT)com
catchat(AT)mi(DOT)rr(DOT)com
lovelydysfunction
artmusedog
Violet’s Vegan Comics
theveiledfacet
Katie Kat
floatinggold
John Siebelink
Brian
cricketpages(AT)earthlink(DOT)com
samantha60black(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Anita
animalsarefeelingbeingstoo(AT)q(DOT)com
daal(AT)gmail(DOT)com
The Canadian Cats
INVITES ACCEPTED(15)
Front Seat Ryder
cookandenjoyrecipes
pkmessi18(AT)gmail(DOT)com
ortensia
Nat
Artemisa007
WhskrDesign
RasmaSandra
koolkosherkitchen
speedyrabbit
greg-in-washington
foguth
petitebrunetteme
Marc-Andre
mnl(AT)cactuscatz(DOT)com
PEOPLE WHO HAVE DONE POST(4)
cookandenjoyrecipes(Esme Slabbert)
greg1948
kaleasian(Kalia)
yamarella(Rasma Raisters)
First of all this isn’t a good ratio. I expected more than 4 guest posts to be done by now. Those of you who have accepted but haven’t done a post yet you can do your posts on my site except for uploading or putting pictures in. You have to send the pictures to me. For those who haven’t accepted or replied well better make up your mind. Some of you have replied to me even after you accepted and told me you couldn’t do it. I understand that. However if that’s still the case, please e-mail me or use the contact form provided to remind me since it has been so long. I would appreciate that.
Also, Anyone that has accepted my offer to do a guest post, I would like all guest posts by December 31, 2018.
THANK YOU,
CRYSTAL STEWART
AND DAISY MAE
**PLEASE NOTE** — CONTACT FORM IS USED TO KEEP COMMENTS PRIVATE!!
**COMMENTS** —- TO GET YOUR COMMENTS TO SHOW UP SCROLL DOWN TO COMMENT/REPLY SECTION. KEEP IN MIND YOUR COMMENTS MAY NOT SHOW UP RIGHT AWAY SINCE COMMENT MODERATION IS ENABLED. THANK YOU FOR READING AND YOUR PATIENCE.
How To Stop Chewing In Cats and Dogs Naturally
Hello, my name is Kalia. I run frontseatryder.com, a blog designed to inspire dog moms to improve their mental health alongside their doggos.
My boy, Ryder and I want everyone to be able to unleash their pawsitivity and chase a happier life. We talk about ways to combat depression and anxiety. We also share tips to help gain a better bond with your four-legged.
I am extremely honored to be able to guest post today. Thank you so much for having me, Crystal! Today I am going to share a few tips and tricks on how to stop your pets from unwanted chewing.
How To Stop Chewing In Cats and Dogs Naturally
Most puppies and kittens tend to chew on things they shouldn’t. It is just part of the growing process; just like human babies going through the teething stage. Chewing is something that a pet parent must be ready to tackle. Your love for your pet must be stronger than your love for possessions. From a new pair of sneakers to couch cushions, blankets, and yes, even that brand new tank top you bought for this Summer’s vacation.
If you are struggling with your cat or dog chewing and want a natural remedy, check out these options below. I have a list of ways that you can hopefully get them to stop nibbling on things they shouldn’t be.
These tips and tricks below work on adult and baby animals. And any pet that has not thoroughly learned what they can and can’t chew on. Usually, when a cat or dog begin chewing even though you are working on breaking them of the habit, they might be doing it to tell you something.
Stopping a Cat or Dog From Chewing
Burn Off Energy
A lot of times cats and dogs will chew out of boredom. When they get anxious or feel like they are not getting any attention, they reach for chewing as a form of attention. It helps them release stress. Making sure to spend time with your pet every day is imperative. Have toys to play with them, take your dog for a walk or to the dog park to run.
Even if it is 15 minutes a day, you need to devote that time every day to keep your animal content. Plus, who doesn’t want to bond with your little (or big) furball?! When your pet stops chewing and you stop playing, they will most likely revert back to chewing. Make it a daily habit to get out some energy.
Catching Them In The Act
When you find your pet chewing away where they shouldn’t offer them a chew toy that they can chew on instead. Redirection is the way to go when it comes to training any animal. Plus, a toy to chew on is positive reinforcement. This will teach them that they can’t chew on the couch, but they can chew on their ball. Diverting them in a positive way is a great way to teach them — “Hey look! Here is the toy to play with.” You can buy natural pet deterrent sprays that you can spray on items in your house as well. You can find natural ones that just turn your cat or dog off. This is good for items like shoes, clothing, or furniture you don’t want to be torn up.
Chew Toys
Whether you buy a chew toy that has strings, interactive toys for your cats, or dog bones, have a variety. Fill a toy with treats to entice play time. Or buy an item with catnip for your feline. Make sure you are buying toys that interest your pet. Then when you see them acting bored, offer a toy to play with. You could even make a grass garden for your cat to nibble on and lounge in. Just think outside the box to find ways to entertain your pet.
Bitters
There are a few different spray products on the market to curb your furbaby’s destructive chewing habit. The most common are “Bitters”. Most dogs do not care for bitter tastes. Spraying items with this taste will help detour your pet from wanting to chew on it anymore. This is a great option for things around the house that can get wet without damaging them. Make sure to not only spray the bitters but have a positive alternative to chew on at the ready. Your buddy with still needs to release some of their pent-up energy.
Mental Stimulation
Making sure your pet has mental and physical exercise, and stimulation is a must. Teaching obedience, tricks, and more are imperative. Having a perch for your cat to sit on to look out the window, taking your dog for a walk or car ride. Showing them pet videos to help stimulate their minds. Make sure you do things that not only offer physical exercise but also aim for mental.
If you try these routes and still struggle, it might not hurt to take your pet to the vet. Sometimes anxiety can be causing the stress chewing, and medication might be needed. Other times dental issues or underlying health issues can make your pet act out or show signs of chewing that you can’t seem to stop. It is always best to get them checked out to rule out any health issues.
What tips do you have for stopping chewing naturally?
Guest Post by EsmeSalon
First and foremost: Thank you to my dear blogging buddy Crystal for the honor and asking me to share a post on your blog CRYSTAL’S PHOTO-BLOGGING SITE
Guest Post: Ducks at Play
Pictures Are By: Rasma Raisters
Taken At: Arkadija Park In Riga, Latvia
Visit her site at Animals are Wonderful .
Calling All Guest Bloggers
Hi Everyone, my name is Daisy Mae and I’m the co-owner of CRYSTAL AND DAISY MAE’S PHOTO-BLOGGING SITE. I’m inviting you to be a guest blogger on my site CRYSTAL AND DAISY MAE’S PHOTO-BLOGGING SITE . I have done this before and sadly didn’t get a good response. Now I understand some of you may be to busy or have other things to do and I understand that but I do hope I get a better response. To find out the rules and subjects that are allowed please go to the first post which can be found at CALLING ALL GUEST BLOGGERS!! Both my human mom, Crystal and I do hope we get a lot of people to do guest blogging. I do know mom sent out some invitations this last time and only got one acceptance.
Please dear friends, help mom and I out by accepting our open invitation. We both THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE. We are attaching a contact form for you to use.😺😺🤞🤞🙏🙏🤞🤞😺😺
CALLING ALL GUEST BLOGGERS!!
INTRODUCTION
Hi everyone and welcome to CRYSTAL AND DAISY MAE’S PHOTO-BLOGGING SITE. We are glad you decided to visit us today because we think you might be able to help us out. Intrigued yet? Well it’s really no mystery what we’re looking for and that is a few guest bloggers. Please don’t be surprised if I contact some of you by e-mail or by WordPress.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for people who are willing to be Guest Bloggers on CRYSTAL AND DAISY MAE’S PHOTO-BLOGGING SITE and possibly let us Guest Blog on your blog sometime in the future.
WHAT YOU CAN BLOG ABOUT
- Cats And Dogs.
- Animals.
- Shelter Work.
- Charity Work.
- Food/Recipes.
- Country Living And/Or City Living.
- Family.
- Poetry.
- Appropriate Pictures(I Must Approve Pictures).
- Sports.
- If You Want To Blog About Something Other Than What’s Been Stated It’ll Have To Be Approved.
Please Note that ALL work and titles must be approved my me. Also if you’re going to do a Guest Blog, All Work Must Be Your Own.
WHAT’S NOT ALLOWED
- NO SWEAR WORDS.
- NOTHING POLITICAL
THANK YOU
Thank You In Advance for ALL your help!!
CRYSTAL AND DAISY MAE'S PHOTO-BLOGGING SITE 