Community Chat

[Me And My Shadow]

Sammycat1....I am truly impressed by your knowledge and appreciate your input so very much...I want to assure you that your posts are not causing me further worry; rather, they are helping me to look at every angle of this situation with my Shadow and take everything into consideration...so your input is invaluable and very much appreciated!

I informed the Vet today that I would prefer not giving Shadow the Pepcid, as I also feel the way that you do and that is I would rather prefer finding out what is causing these upsets, rather than covering them up with something...I'm that way with myself and my family's health also, so it definitely includes my Shadow when it comes to her health also.

My Shadow had her annual physical back in July and a blood test was included...All came out fine...However, when I mentioned this to the Vet during my first conversation with her last night, she told me that illnesses can come on quickly with our pets for various reasons, so we do have to be vigilant regarding these upsets...If, within the next couple of weeks, she has more of these upsets, I will definitely take her into the Vet's office for needed tests.

I have every confidence in the Vet who has cared for Shadow...She did not make a conclusive diagnosis over the phone; rather went by the frequency of Shadow's upsets, her overall behavior which is normal and by her physical and blood test back in July... and then informed me to get back in touch with her if the upsets persists...which to me would be within the next couple of weeks...I will admit that the fact that she suggested I try Pepcid first didn't sit with me very well and you can be sure that Shadow will be in her office within the next couple of weeks if Shadow should have anymore upsets...which I definitely am hoping doesn't happen!

Your "helpful spirit" is touching to me and so very much appreciated!

I am actually feeling calmer now after reading everyone's caring posts and will take this as it comes and remain positive that all will be well with my precious Shadow!

[Me And My Shadow]

On 10/28/2014 beastielove said:

You've clearly gotten a lot of excellent advice from some wonderful ladies who know what they're talking about.

I have nothing to add as I've never encountered this problem with any of the many cats who I've shared my life with. I'm currently mommy to four kitties...Tabitha,Samantha, Henry and Jack...all rescues.

Sending out lots very special prayers to your precious Shadow and hoping that she's feline fine ASAP!

-----------------------------------------------------

All of my children have paws =^..^=

Thank you so much, beastielove!...This health issue is new to me also, and I so appreciate the caring, thoughtful, informative replies that I have received!

All of my cats have been rescues also...Your home is definitely filled with much love, warmth and happiness with your four kitties!

Your prayers are so very much appreciated!

I will definitely keep everyone updated on my Shadow!...It's the least I can do for the caring posts that I have received!

[apple1964]

I hope Shadow feels better.

[LadyAmara]

So glad you are feeling better, Me. This board is a great wealth of information and encouragement, isn't it. I spent much time reading here before I ever posted and it’s helped me a lot. I'm still in awe when I read posts by the more experienced pet owners like Sammycat1 and Jeremiah in this thread. I'm still a baby, but I have had my first training from Mr. Gidget.

Wishing you and your shadow continued health and strength inside and out.

[Me And My Shadow]

LadyAmara...Sammycat1...Jeremiah...beastielove...Matty6...

Update...Even though it has just been one week since I have made some changes in Shadow's diet, I wanted to be sure to give you all an update on how things are going with her.

It has been a great week...no throwups whatsoever!...I placed her bowl near one of her very favorite spots, so she has been grazing more throughout the day...She has always been a light eater; however, this new change encourages her not to go too long without eating...I give her soft food during the day...and some niblets during the night...She has always been very good about drinking normal amounts of water...She actually appears more alert and energetic, not that this was ever a problem with her...LOL...She has always been full of spunk and energy!

I also wanted to mention that I am gradually adding canned "Nature's Variety Instinct" to her diet also...which was a natural pet food recommended on here...It looks like a great pet food, compared to many of the others, so I will see how she adapts to it...also smells absolutey delicious compared to others...I am slowly incorporating it into her diet, since I have also learned that, when a cat's digestive system becomes used to a particular type of food, their digestive system may not adapt to a new brand that easily...so a little at a time.

I will not feel totally confident until a month has gone by without any of those further upsets that I mentioned in my original post...but I just wanted to give you an update on this past week...Looking good so far!

Will be back again in another week to give a further update!

Thanks again so much for your very informative input and suggestions!

Wishing Everyone A Great Week!

[Me And My Shadow]

Oops!...double posted...

[Sammycat1]

Great news! I'm so glad to hear that Shadow is perking up and feeling much better -- thanks for the update!

[Me And My Shadow]

On 11/3/2014 Sammycat1 said:

Great news! I'm so glad to hear that Shadow is perking up and feeling much better -- thanks for the update!

Thanks so much, Sammycat1...I am remaining somewhat cautious, since it has only been one week...She is only 10 years old and I want her around for a very, very long time!...I want to be absolutely sure that it is not a sign of a beginning health issue...just one more upset and in she goes for necessary tests!

I'm staying positive that it is a minor issue that can be easily remedied!...She is currently involved in one of her many aerobic workouts right now and encouraging me to join in with her!...She doesn't like it at all when I'm on the computer!...LOL

By the way, I just noticed your Schmoo thread this morning and read through some of the last several posts....What a wonderful, precious blessing Schmoo was in your life and, as difficult as it is when the time comes for our pets to cross over the Rainbow Bridge...it is also a great comfort to know that you and your DH gave him such a warm, caring, loving home and did all you could for him...a testimony to that wonderful, indescribable bond that we are so blessed with!

[Sammycat1]

On 11/3/2014 Me And My Shadow said:

On 11/3/2014 Sammycat1 said:

Great news! I'm so glad to hear that Shadow is perking up and feeling much better -- thanks for the update!

Thanks so much, Sammycat1...I am remaining somewhat cautious, since it has only been one week...She is only 10 years old and I want her around for a very, very long time!...I want to be absolutely sure that it is not a sign of a beginning health issue...just one more upset and in she goes for necessary tests!

I'm staying positive that it is a minor issue that can be easily remedied!...She is currently involved in one of her many aerobic workouts right now and encouraging me to join in with her!...She doesn't like it at all when I'm on the computer!...LOL

By the way, I just noticed your Schmoo thread this morning and read through some of the last several posts....What a wonderful, precious blessing Schmoo was in your life and, as difficult as it is when the time comes for our pets to cross over the Rainbow Bridge...it is also a great comfort to know that you and your DH gave him such a warm, caring, loving home and did all you could for him...a testimony to that wonderful, indescribable bond that we are so blessed with!

I have a good feeling Shadow is sticking around for a nice, long time.

Thanks for reading portions of the Schmoo thread. Schmoo had so many illnesses, most notably the double-sided heart failure that could kill him at any moment, yet with the encouragement of posters here, our vet and our own faith, he lived an unprecedented 2 1/2 years after his diagnosis (he was only supposed to live a few days). I won't kid you, it was 24/7 intensive care, but a labor of love for us -- our fighter kitty always wanted to fight, and we fought with him.

The posters here were with us for the whole journey, and I know their prayers got us through. You won't find a kinder, more knowledgeable group of people to stand by your side, especially in a crisis.

I hope you'll join us on the Schmoo thread from time to time; I continue to post pics of him and stories about him and those like you on the forum who have become friends. (I'm also writing a book about him at the same time. Even though I'm a professional writer, it took going through the grieving process first to be able to sit down and write it without a meltdown).

Thanks again for your kind words and I'm so hopeful that like Schmoo, your Shadow is one tough kitty fighter! She's got the perfect Mom, and that's more than half the battle.

[LadyAmara]

That’s OUTSTANDING news, Me and My Shadow. So glad Shadow is doing much better. I bookmarked this thread watching for any updates.

I mentioned the Nature's Variety Instinct canned food in my first post to you ONLY because Gidget took so well to it before our good-bye. After all my research, I became better informed about cats and their natural eating habits, plus Instinct had GREAT reviews and many talked about it aiding in digestion. I totally agree with you that it smells yummy and gradual introduction, as I learned also, is the way to go. I wish I had preserved the links I found during my research for future reference, but my heart was in pieces. And I still wish I had learned about Instinct even months earlier. Plus the fact, at that time, the manufacturer was and hopefully still is independently owned, and based out of Lincoln, Nebraska and Instinct had never been on a recall.

I enjoyed your comment that she was encouraging you to join in her aerobics. Too cute.

Wishing you and Shadow continued progress in each day ahead.

Have a wonderful day!