An update on Theodore and a request for vibes.

alicatjoy

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Alright, by now, most everyone should know that a cat that had either run away or been dropped off in my neighborhood invited himself into the lives of my roommate and I last week. Theodore, or Theo, as my roommate has named him, was underweight and had fleas, but seemed well enough. However, at this vet appointment last weekend, they discovered he had coccidia. Thankfully, all other testing came back negative and he was able to receive his vaccinations and be scheduled for his neuter. The big day is tomorrow and, while I know he'll be perfectly fine, I am just asking for some snippity-snip vibes that Theo makes it through the surgery without a hitch.

And, now, for the update part. Theo is doing wonderfully! He is being confined down in my roommate's portion of the house (as she has decided to keep him) and is loving living in the lap of luxury. It's obvious he was neglected in his prior home based on some behaviors he has, but he certainly has come out of his shell since being here -- and it's been only a week! I am helping my roommate cover all of his initial vet costs (including his neuter) and helped her purchase some necessities. Even though she has other kitties, since Theodore has to be confined for so long, she needed a lot of duplicate items. His coccidiosis is improving. He will have a repeat fecal done tomorrow, but it's apparent that he is doing better since being on the medication. He's eating very well and has definitely put on some much needed weight this week. And, finally, after two baths and some additional wiping down, his white fur is no longer as grey as his tabby markings (I'm exaggerating, but his fur was quite dingy)! And, he's a very handsome little fellow. He is as also as sweet as can be. He loves to rub all over his humans and purr, purr, purr. He is just a lover! And, he takes his meds like a champ too. But, now that he's feeling better, we're beginning to see some of his rambunctious nature come out. But, that's okay -- my roommate is in love and I think Theo adores her just as much or more! He's a terrific kitty.

Theo is really thriving here and I know I couldn't be happier. He has a long road ahead as he still needs to recover from the coccidia (and may require a second round of medication) and will also have his neuter to get over. But, he's doing well in most every way and, most of all, I think he's happy. He will have another vet visit next week, but first we need to get through tomorrow. My roommate's nervous as they've grown quite attached, but I do know he'll be okay. I love my vet and have never had a problem. So, I certainly don't anticipate any issues for tomorrow. It's been incredibly rewarding to have taken Theodore in and it's even more of a gift to see him grow into the cat he is meant to be.

Ooh, one last thing! Theo got his first taste of the fresh catnip a friend of ours cuts and bags for us. And, he loved it! It was hysterical to watch him writhe, flip, and flail all about. We put some dried nip on his new toys as well and her went bonkers for them. I often forget he's still a kitten (he's about 10-11 months old), but seeing him today just made me smile. How couldn't it have?
 

kailie

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I agree, more pics!
Theo sounds like SUCH a doll!
I have always found that the spays/neuters are much harder on ME than they are on the kitties.
I have cried every single time I have dropped one off. Vibes coming from me!
 

darlili

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Lots of good wishes - I agree, a lot of these procedures are probably tougher on us than our babies in a lot of ways, but it will feel so good to get him home again. for a good surgery and a very quick return to health in all ways.
 

samhainborn

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Theo is another very lucky cat who managed to find where he belongs! I sometimes think that certain (cat) people just have a safety vibe that draws cats to them. You guys have done a wonderful job with Theo, and I'm very happy to read such a happy story.

for Mr. Theo's big day, and I hope he's doing well. You're going to be amazed by how quickly he bounces back!
 
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alicatjoy

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I thought I'd come back and update this thread...

Theodore was dropped off to the vet's office this morning at 7:30am. The poor guy just wanted to eat last night and it was heartbreaking to remove his food at midnight. So, he was not happy this morning when my roommate took out the carrier and he was placed inside. He doesn't like being confined to the carrier and he is scared of being in the car, but he's so good -- he doesn't even fight the issue. He meowed quite a bit during the ride to the vet, but I think my roommate and I were more nervous and upset than he was.

Once we got to the vet's office, he was checked in and weighed. I couldn't believe it when they said he had gained a pound this week! It's been exactly a week since we took him in and he was 7.7 pounds then and a whopping 8.7 today! He still has a ways to go, but it was so good to see that he's moving in the right direction. They took a fecal and did a smear/float and he still has coccidia, but there's no doubt that he is doing better. The vet prescribed another course of Albon and feels that should do the trick. His physical exam went well and then he was whisked away to the back of the office. I'm not ashamed to say that I cried a little. I knew he would be fine, but it is stressful nonetheless to leave your baby at the vet. I always wonder about what they're thinking. Perhaps it's better that I don't know...

Theo was the only surgery for the day and we were called to pick him up at around 2:00pm. Apparently, the surgery went well and was a cinch for the vet. He woke up almost immediately from the anesthesia and was crying for food only a short while after that. He charmed the staff as he was rubbing against the cage door and writhing around in order to get their attention -- he loves belly rubs and was flopping over to get some of those as well! They gave him some food which he ate and he drank, used the litter box, and purred up a storm before we picked him up. And, boy was he grateful to see us when we arrived! I don't think I've ever seen him so happy to be placed in his carrier. And, the whole ride home he barely made a peep. The little guy was just relieved to be back with his people.

Since we got home, Theo has eaten, drank water, taken his medication, used the litter pan, and played. It's as if nothing ever happened. The horrors of his day came and went and he's as happy as ever. My roommate said he has been a little more lovey than usual, but I also know she doesn't mind that one bit. I think we're all just waiting until he is free and clear from the coccidia so he can be introduced to her other cats. But, we're at least a month away from that still. The good news is that he's on the right track. I think it's safe to say that he has already become a huge part of the family...

Thank you all for the vibes! They must have worked -- Theodore is doing great and we all couldn't be happier! (And, yes, I'll try to get pics when I can...it's hard since he is in my roommate's space, but I'll see what I can do
.)
 

silva_unt

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Just reading about Theodore makes me want to cuddle up with him!! for a speedy recovery!!
 

silva_unt

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We posted at the same time, just read your latest one.
Glad everything went well!!!
 

Winchester

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I'm so glad everything went well and Theo is home now. Sounds like he has a good life with you and your roommate! I'd like to see pics, too.
 

otto

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Thanks for the happy update on Theodore
, so glad it alll went so smoothly!


I'm not ashamed to say that I cried a little. I knew he would be fine, but it is stressful nonetheless to leave your baby at the vet. I always wonder about what they're thinking. Perhaps it's better that I don't know...
Of course you cried! Who wouldn't? Cats are such stoic animals. We can drive ourselves crazy with worrying over whether they feel abandoned or what. In reality I think they just accept.
 
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