TVCH FORUMS HOME . JOIN . FAN CLUBS . ABOUT US . CONTACT . CHAT  
Bomis   Quick Links   TOPICS . TREE-VIEW . SEARCH . HELP! . NEWS . PROFILE
Archive through January 12, 2006

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2005 Dec. ~ 2006 Feb.: Hairball Haven: Cats (ARCHIVES): Archive through January 12, 2006 users admin

Author Message
Ophiliasgrandma
Member

09-04-2001

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 9:39 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ophiliasgrandma a private message Print Post    
I dreamed last night that Tom came back all well and healthy. Sad!

Taterheadtwo
Member

09-29-2005

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 1:23 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Taterheadtwo a private message Print Post    
hi all, quick qustion , hoping for many answes solutions.. my fat cat is about 2 years old, an i think she is geting arthritis?? she waddles,like it hurts to walk( reminds me of a bulldogwalk) and when she sits on her hind legs and supports her front,usuuallt on one paw, doesnt like to use two pawa.... i have massaged dailey her shoulder arm areas, check to make sure she has ful range ( i myself am disabbled and eat up with arthritis, and dont have full range anymore) i dont want her to end up like me, what food, diet, vitamins, can anyone recomend to offset maybe reverse this, she is not as active as she once was, i spend time several several times a day tosing things oshe can go chase, etc.. thx all for your expereince and advice

Mizinvanccouver
Member

02-22-2003

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 2:40 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mizinvanccouver a private message Print Post    
Taterheadtwo---I would first take her to a veterinarian to ensure that her new waddle is indeed caused by arthritis and not something else. Seems kind of young to have that yet, but who knows.

Then if it is arthritis I have heard that Glucosamine works well for both animals and humans. I'm not sure the dosage though. You would have to ask your vet.

Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 3:37 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
Tater, for sure I would take her into a vet to find out what is causing the change in her. You may think it is arthritis, but it could be something like she needs to lose some weight to put less stress on her back and joints. Maybe she just threw out her back somehow; people walk funny when their backs are bad.
Be sure to explain to the vet how she lies, how she walks, how she is when she gets up from lying down. If you have ever seen her limping or favoring one paw over another, tell the vet.

If you are massaging her shoulder joints, tell the vet if you think it makes a difference after.

It may be time for some tough love in her diet along with some vitamins. Maybe you can get her a shot in the joint to lessen inflammation; I sure know it helped my shoulder for months and months.
I too take the glucosamine pills and while I can't say for sure it is helping, I have not had big issues for some time now.

The vet checkup is your best bet.

Taterheadtwo
Member

09-29-2005

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 4:09 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Taterheadtwo a private message Print Post    
i dont condon steroid shots, u might think it helps but in the years to come that spot is gonna give you worst promblems then iy had tostar with,i had heard form too many that it cause further scarring in the long run, and become irreversible, pets a re humans, so please everyone o some researh before you get a steroid shot anywhere.. my cat got real sick 3 weeks ago i did take her to the vet, for almost deing and also her walk, weight, etc.......he also massaged and stretch, felt, didnt think it was anything major to worry, and gave her a shot for her high fever, she staid very sick( thought she was deing0 he said to call back in 2 days, 2 dys later she was coming back to her norm, but took her a couple more days, now shes back to her norm.. shes heavey but stocky and stronger than the other cats, she walks like a bulldogs like those strong steps, but i am just worried it might be arthritis kinking in??

Mizinvanccouver
Member

02-22-2003

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 4:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mizinvanccouver a private message Print Post    
Taterhead--Did your vet say your cat was developing Arthritis? What type of cat do you have?

If you want to try Glucosamine, just have a look online for pet dosages. Probably a search on Google will suffice.

Nancy
Member

08-01-2000

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 4:43 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Nancy a private message Print Post    
lol RIGHT NOW I'm laughing at my cat..I heard her running around and i look and she's got a packet of food she's running around with--(the wet kind that comes in packets)--shes not trying to eat it she's just running with it..

Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 4:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
Tater, I do appreciate the damage that can be caused by steroid shots and we did discuss my situation at length. At the time I was completely incapable of moving the arm, and it was needed.

We did go through dozens of x-rays and we do know now that I have the start of osteoarthritis in all the joints in my right side. I did have some pills later for the inflammation, but stopped them now and have used the glucosamine and more exercise now.

Depending on how badly she is affected, only the vet will be able to say what will help her.

My Shadoe is a 2yr old cat who is shaped like a solid rock football. I have been watching her because I worry about the weight thing.
It does not help that Booboo is twice her age and looks like she has not eaten in days.
They both have access to the same food but what a difference.

I hope your cat feels better soon; maybe it's something minor.

Maybe try some info online about animal arthritis and other pains. At least, you can find some info to have with you when you talk to your vet next time.

Healthy Pet site

Arthritis in Cats

Cat Pains

Taterheadtwo
Member

09-29-2005

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 5:42 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Taterheadtwo a private message Print Post    
wow thx for the web sites, i hinestly dont know what breed there are, just cute stole my heart each one,lol.. the vet wouldnt say, said he knew for sure she had a high fever and gave her a shot for that.. im on a fixed budget, not trying to be cheap, but i rather go omnline to groups, freind, for info, vets dont give out much info and it cost alot for a visit, but if they are real sick i dont wait i went christmad eve, cost over a hundred dollars, amnd i ate tuna fish for 10 days becuase the cats came first. and another time i took two for worms??
3 times
they never did get rid of them
so i got some on the web and now they dont have worms??
online cost me 20 bucks for the med
the visits were over 150 for 2 cats , 3 visits.. im not saying dont take to a vet, but i want to know whats wrong not just rely on a vet knowledge all the time, i dont blame them they have to eat to. guess you all think im insisnsitive but i do love my cats

Taterheadtwo
Member

09-29-2005

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 5:42 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Taterheadtwo a private message Print Post    
thx again for the web links

Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 5:56 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
Tater, I have to say that I care more about animals than humans; animals are like babies and I hate to see them suffer. Animals know the meaning of unconditional love; they are always there for you and you want to be there for them. I totally understand your concerns.

Vets are just like doctors; some are great and others are crappy. You also don't need to pay alot to get good service. Maybe try calling around to animal shelters and humane society to get suggestions where you can get help that does not cost you an arm and a leg.

For sure look around for info online because it really does help to get an idea what kind of problems there are and what kind of treatments are available. If you want me to look around for some more links, just let me know.

Taterheadtwo
Member

09-29-2005

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 6:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Taterheadtwo a private message Print Post    
Ophiliasgrandma I dreamed last night that Tom came back all well and healthy. Sad!


tom is still in a prayers, i so hope he gets well and come back to see you,,, are you find out what happened to him, we know you love him very much, im real sorry

Taterheadtwo
Member

09-29-2005

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 6:08 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Taterheadtwo a private message Print Post    
just my opinion but im adfraid my town is not that up to speed on animal rights, i have 3 cats, i got two from the local shetler, one was real sick( also had the worms) took her to the vet and got some meds and worming, the other the one thats fat was missing some teeth and had a deep gourge on her neck shoulder, but she came right up to me, and wanted to be held, ( sold) lol.. and the last was form a local cat shelter that now doeasnt handle cats, in fact no one in this area seems to realy care, i have called the shelter and vets offering to be a temp parent, but they dont seem to want any, the shelter wouldnt say but i got the feeling the put away almost all strays..... i even by extra food and call the shelter to come get it, just to stay in touch and show i care some.. and yes most dogs and cat offer unconditional love, catsoup for the soul.. so hoep OG see tom again, i know she worries, wonders and has a heavy heart.

Jimmer
Member

08-30-2000

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 8:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jimmer a private message Print Post    
guess you all think im insisnsitive but i do love my cats

I think I can tell by what you say that you love your cats. They are very lucky to have you.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 9:53 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Tater, definitely take your waddler to the vet first before you do anything else. I'd even stop the massaging, as you don't know if what you are doing is helping or possibly making things work. And if you don't like the vet you've been going to, find another one. Ask around. Ask at your local pet store or ask a neighbor. I love my vet and have followed her as she's moved offices. I also quit going to the closest emergency hospital since I don't like the staff or docs there, and now go to one about 10 minutes further away.

Kitty glucosamine is branded as Cosequin. It comes in capsules containing flavored powder that can be sprinkled on a cat's food (wet or dry). Presumably it tastes really good. However, it is available only by prescription (and, if you could get it without, I wouldn't use it). Costa has been on Cosequin for some time now as they thought he might have the beginnings of arthritis in one of his back knees. I don't know if it helps or not, but he's not had problems with his back leg since he started on it about 6 months ago.

But firsr, take your kid to the vet.

Biscottiii
Member

05-29-2004

Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 12:19 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Biscottiii a private message Print Post    
Hey Tater, I hear you!

Fortunately, my Vet is an intelligent woman. I'm living on a fixed income like you, when I told her I just don't HAVE THE MONEY - I can only come in when it's an emergency, rabies shots, (since mine are older, seriously indoor cats, they don't do yearly regular shots anymore) - only the necessities....the Vet didn't lay on some guilt trip. Just did what she could to help, without jacking up the bill in every which direction.

Silly question, but...Tater. Your kitty doesn't by chance happen to be a Manx does it? They have no tail - NOOO! not chopped off, just born without one. Looks like a little Bobcat, real muscular serious back legs, won't walk if they can bound around in jumps & leaps, kind of mottled gray colors.

My own kitty Thelma is ..... Dad=Manx (SWAGGERING EVEN! "joe blow" from my Dad's neighborhood) and Momma=part Siamese and part Persian.

First checkup the Vet said "Thank God She's a MUTT!" I said huh? Vet said you don't know how lucky Thelma is, to be a mutt! 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/4, although she looks like a little bobcat wearing a white tummy&chest.

In a 'pureblood Manx', apparently the genetics that create the non-tail, may often interfer with the lower intestines (many kittens don't survive) and they have serious back leg problems when they become adult kitties (wouldn't THAT be about 2 yrs old?)

So, just thought I would ask if there's any possibility of Manx matters going on. Or, is it possible that due to your weather & the cold and all, any old injuries kitty might have suffered before you adopted, may be hurting?

Either way, I can totally relate that you've been eating tunafish for 10 days to pay the vet. I happen to love tuna myself, but that's got to get tiresome pretty quick! I sure hope your poor kitty starts feeling better soon.

P.S.-loved your "catsoup for the soul" comment! I so enjoy reading "Chicken Soup for the Soul" articles. Kitty kisses from Thelma & Louise (her Calico Sister) to Tater kitties too! Bisc

Watching2
Member

07-07-2001

Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 12:34 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Watching2 a private message Print Post    
Tater - I'm thinking if your kitty was really sick, the way she's walking, etc., could be some kind of after-effect from the illness, esp. since you said it was noticeable when you took her to the vet when sick. It was the first thing that popped into my mind. I agree about checking for other vets. When I got Misha I called all the local vets for prices for shots, office calls, etc. Turns out the vet I like best and took my last cat to until we got our dog, ended up being the best as far as price. Her shots were a couple of dollars more than the others, but the difference with her is, she doesn't charge for an office call, just the shots. That makes a big difference in the long-run. Plus, she is a cat-only vet and I think that makes a big difference since she keeps herself tuned in to the latest for cats only. I got a really GREAT deal when my DD was working for her. Only cost me $10 for her shots since they only charged "cost" since DD worked there. I was so dumb last year. They called my DS for an interview and I brought the cat in for her annual at the same time as his interview. Had I waited until he was hired a week later, I would have gotten the employee discount again! We'll see what happens this year since they just hired him as seasonal and he told them he wanted his application kept on file so they may call him back again this Spring. Actually, if my health improves, I'd love to work there myself! Also, Misha is an "old-fashioned" "apple-head" Siamese so they're not as sleek as the "show-cat type" but I put her on weight management food since she seemed rather chunky for a Siamese. When she went to the vet one year later she weighed exactly the same to the ounce as the year before. I like to just leave her dry food out for her to eat when she wants, so w/the lower calorie food, I feel better about doing that.

OG - I wish you'd see Tom in RL in addition to your dreams! Like I said before, I still get this weird feeling and end up looking at the stump where I used to feed the stray a year and a half ago, expecting him to be waiting for me! Him, I know won't be there because he had neurological damage and the vet put him down since the Animal Service League said he was unadoptable because of the damage. I still feel bad about him. I get so mad at people that treat animals like disposable objects. I could get on a rant, but it's late, so I won't!!

Ophiliasgrandma
Member

09-04-2001

Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 7:18 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ophiliasgrandma a private message Print Post    
I would have liked to have tamed Tom, but he would have none of it. The only vetting I ever managed was to sneak some worm meds in him. I think he was satisfied with his life. He like his food bowl and he let me chat at him a bit, then he was on his way taking care of his important feral cat business.

Taterheadtwo
Member

09-29-2005

Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 7:30 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Taterheadtwo a private message Print Post    
og you know tom love you much in his own special ways, i bet he always made sure you and him made eye contact, looked up to as a foster mom, he knew/knows you loved him enough not to try to force him when he wasnted used to human full contact. TOM were ever you are you are much loved and missed

Taterheadtwo
Member

09-29-2005

Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 7:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Taterheadtwo a private message Print Post    
i dont know exactly what bread she is, no she has a full tail, she is wider, broader had a big head, and big ole paws for feet, she is about 1/3 longer and twice as wide as my other two cats ( which like to jump around and to high spots0 which she cant keep up. she is by far the strongest, but when she is around them she is passive and gentle, sometime too much the youngster like to bat her around sometimes, but she will not batt back, and when i click are bath the others she will nip at my ankle to leave her sisters alone,lol she is a sweety.. also i should of been more clear she had this stif walk before she got real sick, and now shes better she still has it.. i hate to do it , but im gonna have to put her on a diet, she wont understand and hope she wont hqarber it against me, and i talked to a vet and going online to get a ( dont remember but did write it done, vitamin/arthritis suplement to mix in her food. ..... i am so glad i found sych a pet carring forum here, bless you all

Goddessatlaw
Member

07-19-2002

Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 1:06 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Goddessatlaw a private message Print Post    
Tater, I had to put our little treat hound Max on a diet and it almost broke my heart, his greatest joy in life is horking food. I put him on Iams Indoor Adult Cat food, which has a built-in diet factor for relatively inactive cats. It has worked wonders on him. He still trolls for treats on every available surface, but he doesn't complain about the diet food at all and he hasn't shown the vaguest sign of distress at having his old type and supply of food removed. I thought he'd be frantic but he seems to be rolling with it just fine, and losing weight too. I think your kitty will be fine, also. Just make sure the other cats don't get treats in front of her that she can't have, or she'll start to regard them as a threat to her food supply.

Maris
Member

03-28-2002

Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 1:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Maris a private message Print Post    
So do you think my cat is overweight if his belly hits the ground when he walks?

Twiggyish
Member

08-14-2000

Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 1:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twiggyish a private message Print Post    
sounds like my Carmie..LOL

Taterheadtwo
Member

09-29-2005

Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 1:51 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Taterheadtwo a private message Print Post    
lol, my cats , and the fatty, there stomachs dont drop, drah the ground, the pouch out sideways, its funny to see them walking form the raer, looks like they ate the whole horse and its all in their stomach,lol left side way out then the right when they walk,lol.

Goddessatlaw
Member

07-19-2002

Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 2:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Goddessatlaw a private message Print Post    
Maris, I'm thinking ya. I'm saying yes to your question LOL. Actually, Max is barely a year old but he was starting to look like a python who just swallowed a donkey, so I figured I nip the obesity thing in the bud. It's not like I'm ever going to be able to control his hoarding instinct, so I figured I'd just alter what he has available regularly.