Prissy has been de-tailed - Page 2

I believe that the site specifically says No Flaming right below the "submit post" button. I am here for support, not to be judged. I think it's very sad that I am doing the best that I can, but still being criticized.

I do not abuse my animals. I do not starve them. I get them regular pet checks ups and all the medical care they need. All my pets are spayed and neutered. I do pet rescue AND TNR. They are kept up to date on shots. I feed them a good food. I keep them clean and monitor their health. I do not declaw. Are these not the hallmarks of a good owner?

I do not feel the same way as you do. These cats aren't human children. These are in part still wild animals. Hell, even human children aren't normally subjected to 24 hour containment. When a child is, there are usually calls made to the authorities about child neglect and abuse. Why should it be any different for animals? I live with my husband in a small apartment now. Are you truly saying it would be better to keep them enclosed in such a tiny space for their entire lives?

That being said. This is not the first time I have been attacked on this site. I do care for my furbabies. But I neither expect nor wish to be told that I am abusing, neglecting or intentionally hurting them, or allowing them to be hurt. You do the best by your pets, and I won't comment about how you're an over-protective snob who is limiting the experiences of your pet: I'll do the best by mine, and you can just leave me alone.

I am beginning to feel like I am not welcome on this forum, and that is fine. It will not bother me to take my questions and comments elsewhere.

Yes, you're right, Prissy's stitches are out. Mostly. The original vet and the local vet both told me I could take them out myself if there was no infection and if they didn't get grown over. I had DH hold her and pet her while I clipped the stitches and pulled them through. (She took one out on her own yesterday, so I figured I wouldn't wait until Monday and the vet's like I'd planned.) I got two stitches out without any problems. They came out perfectly clean, no tugging or catching or tearing. The last stitch we may wait until monday and the vet's though. Prissy doesn't like to be held, so I couldn't get the last one before she lost patience and wanted down. I don't think it's grown over, but the knot is very close to the skin, and she doesn't sit still very well. I'm going to try again later. :-) If it looks like it's going to be too difficult, or cause her any pain, then I'll just wait for the vet to do it Monday.

As far as phantom pains go, I think it may have just been habit. Now that she's had more time to adjust, I don't catch her grooming air anymore. I think it only happens when she forgets she doesn't have a tail there anymore. Since she didn't have much feeling at all before the amputation, I think that makes the idea of phantom feelings less, but also makes it harder for her to realize there's not a tail there, since she was used to not feeling it before.

thank you all for your well-wishing. I know she's appreciated the extra love. And I apologize for being so over-sensitive. But this was a difficult experience for me, and between feelings of guilt and worry for my little girl, even the gentlest words feel like a harsh reprimand and judgment.

ANd Darlili, I am considering the new litterbox idea. I don't have any other place to put one, but I can get a new box. She seems to be using it better now than before, but she still prefers to be outside to use the bathroom, unless it's too dark or too cold.

There's still one stitch in. The others have either come out on their own or with assistance (mine, or Prissy's) Maybe i can get her dosed with some catnip and get that last one out tonight. :-)