My cats have been really sick.
Last edited Tue Oct 11, 2022, 05:20 PM - Edit history (1)
I've been stressed out for the past two weeks -- all of my cats have gotten sick with some awful virus, one after the other but they are all doing much better now. First, my oldest, Sammy, who's 10, started violently sneezing. Then she stopped eating. She's a little thing as it is, so she went downhill fast. She didn't even want to drink water, so I knew she was getting dehydrated. My vet couldn't see her right away, so off we went to the MSU Emergency Clinic. They are awesome. If anyone in south central lower Michigan needs expert care, that's the place to go. They're pricey but they pulled her through. She's now back to normal and is gaining the weight she lost.
Then Rosie, who's 4, got sick. At first, I thought she had injured her eye because it was red and weepy, so I made an appointment at the vet in a couple of days' time. Then she started sneezing and stopped eating. She's a big girl so I wasn't as worried because she was still drinking water, but I was still worried. She was sent home with a painkiller and eye drops for her eye as well as an appetite stimulator. She also got sub q fluids just in case she was getting dehydrated. She's back to her old self, but I'm still treating her eye. The vet said she couldn't go outside for her daily walk in her harness and she's driving me nuts, lol. I still take her out in the hallway and stairs but she wants to go outside! Poor little girl.
Then Otis, age 9, started sneezing and acting subdued. I could tell he wasn't feeling well. He never really got the full-blown virus because he still ate and drank, and didn't sneeze nearly as much as the other two, but I could tell he was fighting it. He's almost back to normal now, too.
I had to dip into my 401K to afford the MSU Emergency vet, but they were awesome and well worth it. I have no idea what happened because Outside Kitty, the militant feral I've been feeding for 7 years and refuses to be tamed, is healthy as a horse. Go figure. But at least he's okay. Somebody TNR'd him before I moved here. I live in a building shaped like a "U" and the center of the "U" is his kingdom. I've set up an insulated house for him in the winter that he loves and the rest of the year he hangs out on people's porches, under bushes, or on the grass in the sun. I've never seen him leave it. He's the most spoiled feral I've ever met. He hates kibble and pâté canned food -- he will only eat chunks or shreds in gravy, lol. Some folks moved in downstairs and they've put out a little cat cubby/scratcher for him on their porch and he likes lounging in that. I noticed that they had put out kibble for him, but I told them that he hates it, so they just keep a fresh supply of water for him now. I feed him canned food twice daily, more in the winter when he needs to put on a little weight.
I'm so glad they're all feeling better. It was quite a siege.
Edited to add: I can't take Rosie out for two weeks, so whe'll be happy in a week.
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They're lucky to have you caring for them. 
Your feral sounds like quite a character. 
He's a grumpy ingrate, lol. I live directly above the people who's porch this is. He'll yell at me if I dare to be late and he'll swat at my hand if I dare to move his bowl so I can take it inside to clean it. He's hooked my hand a couple of times, but I just love that grouch. I don't know how old he is -- he was an adult when I moved in 7 years ago, but he's still going strong. The folks that used to live downstairs managed to get him into a carrier and he got a rabies vaccine so he's not due until 2024, which was nice of them and a relief to me so I didn't have to.
Bossy kitty! 
He is a handsome fellow.
Glad he got rabies vax!
from another unit, but why now all of a sudden? If it happens again, I'll have to ask my neighbors, just in case. It's so strange. Thank you!
About a week ago one of my two Snowshoe sisters, Katy Kat, started sneezing occasionally and had bit of a runny eye. Nothing severe, and I was relieved when it cleared up in a few days. Nothing like what yours went through, and am glad to hear that everybody’s on the mend.
About her name, it’s actually Kate the Great and her sister is Princess Grace. Katy has the classic Snowshoe appearance that shows the strong Siamese influence, and Gracie is overall white with splotches of light and dark brown. Both have vivid blue eyes. The breed is a combination of Siamese and American Shorthair and comes from Philadelphia, mid-twentieth century. So, I named them after two blue-eyed American actresses from Philadelphia - Katherine Hepburn and Grace Kelly. Even though they are rescued cats, I’m convinced they’re purebreds. They bring me great comfort and joy, and are a reason to get up in the morning.
Anyway, I want you to know how much I enjoy your posts, which never fail to bring a smile or some happy tears, except this one. Sending you my warmest wishes for healing and relief for everyone in your household.
