Thursday, January 27, 2011

Cat Crisis

My giant kitty Shoes Lebowski -- you guys helped name him after I rescued him over the summer -- has been hospitalized with a complete urinary block, a condition that's deadly if not treated within 24 hours. We caught it in time, but he's not out of the woods...I'm so worried about him.

If you have a male cat, be sure to get educated about this horrible disease. Feed them moist food only (Science Diet is best) and filtered water!!

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20 comments:

  1. SiânJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Delurking to wish Shoes Lebowski luck, I'll be thinking of you both.

    I'm actually a vet student myself so I have some idea of how stressful this situation can be. Cornell vet school has some good info (link below) about this, research is emerging that the disease can be related to stress as well as diet (any change in environment can set it off if the cat's personality is affected by such things - one cat was set off by builders in the home)-we often recommend using a cat pheromone diffuser (its called Feliway in the UK) to help minimise this-maybe something to ask your vet about when Shoes gets to come home?

    http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/urinary.html

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  2. Half-heard in the StillnessJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Oh! I've just found your blog and its so lovely! And I just wanted to send you my best, it's drastic when your pet is so poorly...I DO hope you get back news soon. We have two cats, but lost both of our older beloved's last year, my heart goes out to you.

    Hugs Jane

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  3. I am Shelly KellyJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    My big boy had crystals in his urine. Do NOT give him any fish! He had to have his penis removed because he couldn't pass the crystals. I discovered the problem because he had some blood in his urine from the crystals cutting him from the inside. Having their penis removed is a permanent solution, as your kitty is prone to them now. Also, I spend a couple thousand hospitalizing him and the vets cathetarizing him trying to get him to pass the crystals. It would have been less traumatic for him and me if the procedure was performed immediately. Also, when he is in the hospital, visit him tons...he'll heal faster (just like humans do.)

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  4. Stevie-LynJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Poor kitty! I have three cats myself, so I can imagine what you're going through! I'm sending out positive vibes to your kitty!!!

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  5. samantha ramageJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    your poor gato! the same thing happened to my fiance's cat! i will keep your kitty in my thoughts today!

    xo
    sami

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  6. Steve GravanoJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    That's no fun. One of our cats had that. It was horrid. My thoughts are with you.

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  7. The TownhouseladyJanuary 27, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    Long time lurker and official semi-crazy cat lady here de-lurking to wish both your gorgeous boy and you the best.

    He really is just lovely.

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  8. UnknownJanuary 27, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    oh, no! your poor kitty! i wish for a speedy recovery! and send lots of happy kitty thoughts.

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  9. Melanie's RandomnessJanuary 27, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Oh dear I'm sorry to hear about your kitty!! I hope he recovers and is okay!!! =)

    Melanie's Randomness

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  10. April J HarrisJanuary 27, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Oh my goodness, thinking of you! Sending lots of prayers for your lovely kitty!

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  11. coolsistersJanuary 27, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    love your blog. Sure hope your puss-cat is on the mend. They are so dear and wonderful.

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  12. Molly McGonigleJanuary 27, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    Pets in pain are a horrible things -- sending good vibes your way Ms. Tina!

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  13. Isadora FilkovićJanuary 27, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    Awmmm, I hope your kitty gets better soon!
    Best and warmest wishes to you all :)

    ♥
    Fantastique Mémoires from the Outer Space

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  14. JenniferJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    oh noes, I hope he'll be okay! I have a male and female cat too and this is really shocking! I'm thinking of you!

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  15. MelissahJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:04 AM

    I just discovered your lovely blog. I'm just new into blogging & have just finished off my own blog on fashion & interior design.
    scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com
    I had a lot of fun putting it together maybe you would like to check it out if you have a spare minute.
    x
    Melissah

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  16. WrightStuffJanuary 28, 2011 at 2:11 AM

    Oh, I so hope he gets better soon. Get well wishes from me and Lottie & Mac (my two cats)

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  17. kimberjJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Giant Kitty Paws! We were told years ago that male cats especially are prone to kidney and urinary blockages. We were also told at that time to never, ever feed our animals any Purina products as they are too high in fillers that exacerbate if not outright cause these issues. Sending our best wishes for a speedy and full recovery, he's so lovely!

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  18. H. GillhamJanuary 29, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Oh, I hope he gets well soon.

    :(

    Interesting about Purina products, kimberj.

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  19. English MuseJanuary 29, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Shoes was eating tons of Meow Mix -- but no more.

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  20. MarthavmuffinJune 9, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    I have had 3 out of my four male cats (in my life) get this. Only one went on to survive.

    Glad to hear Shoes is good to go.

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