Artie and his Issues

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neely

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so full of life, so happy... so much love... and life....unbelievable... he has decided that is his new 'hiding spot' for the morning....so sweet....he is the picture of a happy and contented cat.. you would never know he was so sick.. he pooped, ate, got brushed, christened his clean litter box, and now he is curled up in his new hiding spot...man.. 
Wonderful news, so happy for both Artie and you - doing the happy dance!
 

donutte

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Oh my goodness, missed so much of this. So sorry you're having all of these issues with Artie's health. It is very hard to take care of our sick kitties at times. Then there are good moments. Usually small, but we have an appreciation for them like no other.

{{{{HUGS}}}} for you and Artie. Keeping you both in my thoughts :vibes:
 

Mamanyt1953

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OH, thank goodness things are better!  First there was the terror of not hearing from you, then the worry when he was worse, and NOW the joy that he's feeling more himself again!  You and your little man live in my heart, you know.  I keep you both there all the time.
 

tarasgirl06

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Hurrah!  Sounds like you are both celebrating a good day.  Artie's activity center is gorgeous and what a nice view he has!   I hope he will be comfortable on the pads when necessary.  My other friend's cat is very good about staying on his when lying on the bed.  Ugh!  King size bedding is a pain -- I know.  Ours is a Cal King bed, the worst of all.  But the upside is it will accomodate a lot of cats, which is why we got it -- my furmily is only 3 now, but for a long time, it was a lot larger.  I always joke that the bed has its own zip code.  
 

2Cats4everLoved

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Sweet Artie seems tuckered out, poor guy.  I'm glad he's resting in his condo.  

I always took it as a good sign when Simon would lay somewhere other than the bed when he was sick.  

These moments of normality would reset my good day/bad day chart.  Even if it was just a glimpse, reset and start all over.  Unfortunately, this is your new norm, but I truly believe you and Artie will figure out this new way of life, and as soon as you can get a handle on the bowels, things will be easier on you both.

Another sign I take as being positive is when we are able to do something for ourselves which is a rare occasion when taking care of a sick kitty/person etc.  So I'm really glad you got to go to church, it's important that you do these things for yourself.  Free your mind, even if it's for an hour or two.

I know he left a spot, but anything is better than constipation.  

Treat yourself well, and don't beat yourself up.

I say this a lot, but it was something that I needed to remind myself of constantly.

xoxo Warmest regards, your TCS Friend - Hope
 
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artiemom

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OH, thank goodness things are better!  First there was the terror of not hearing from you, then the worry when he was worse, and NOW the joy that he's feeling more himself again!  You and your little man live in my heart, you know.  I keep you both there all the time.
Thank you... I love you too....
 
Hurrah!  Sounds like you are both celebrating a good day.  Artie's activity center is gorgeous and what a nice view he has!   I hope he will be comfortable on the pads when necessary.  My other friend's cat is very good about staying on his when lying on the bed.  Ugh!  King size bedding is a pain -- I know.  Ours is a Cal King bed, the worst of all.  But the upside is it will accomodate a lot of cats, which is why we got it -- my furmily is only 3 now, but for a long time, it was a lot larger.  I always joke that the bed has its own zip code.  
I have a Queen size bed.. It is big enough for me, but not when Artie decides to cuddle. I bought the king size sheet to cover my couch with.. but now, it is coming in handy as a bed cover....

@2Cats4everLoved    I do attend church every Sunday.. My parish has a noontime mass, daily.. I do run in spurts when I attend it.. it just seems to be during the busy time of my day... but I made it a point to attend it 3 times this week...I do a lot with the church.. the priests know me...yes, in times of hardship, religion is something I turn to.. as far as I am personally concerned, faith, helps me a lot...
 

neely

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I love Artie's cat tree and hiding spot.  It's perfect with a view in front of the balcony, my Carleton would be so jealous.  He has to sit on the sofa and stretch his neck to look out the window for birds or squirrels in the tree.
  TGIF Artie.
 

angels mommy

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Im so glad you are both having a better day!!
Poor Artie, after the constipation, & then diarrhea, I'm sure he's exhausted, & sore.
I'm glad he jumped up in his old spot to nap. He should feel better now. It sounds like he should be empty. I'm glad he wanted brushing. Such a sweet boy. [emoji]128571[/emoji][emoji]128153[/emoji]
You guys have been in my thoughts all day.
 

neely

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I hope Artie and you both got a good night's sleep last night.
  How is he doing this morning?
 
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artiemom

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thanks for asking...

Artie ate well last night, 1 1/4 small cans... He did have what I consider to be diarrhea.. it was not formed but it was not all liquid...  Of course, the sheet on my bed needed to be washed because of it.. 

Just going to have to get accustomed that I will be doing a daily wash of a sheet.. 

He did cuddle up to me during the night/early morning.. I think when his food is gone, he comes in to cuddle. Definitely straight jacket time.. 

He is having a so-so day... not bad, but not as good as yesterday..he is just lethargic.. I think his belly is bugging him.. it has to.. gas, cramps...etc...

He did want to be brushed, but for some reason I had to pick him up halfway. I know he has arthritis in his hips. He is walking a bit funny, but I cannot add anymore meds to his routine....

I got interrupted with a phone call from my cousin's wife.. I know she is not in agreement with what I am doing for Artie.. I think if he were her cat, she would have put him down on Christmas.. she is an animal lover and has 2 cats, but I do not think she would be doing as much as I am going thorough... plus the expense.. that would be the turning point...

I went back and did the Sub-q's on the cat tree.. Artie was not happy. He did try to wiggle away; the needle came out once, out it back in.. but I did it..  He was fidgety.. I do not know if I have been giving him all of the 100 cc on the other attempts, but I did give it to him today.. or it seemed to take longer, the flow was good, but it seemed to take a long time... perhaps because he was fidgeting? or I was reading it wrong...

I am marking this down as a so-so day.. not a bad day, but a so-so day...

I saw on FaceBook on MegaColon kitties, someone mentioned that Natures Variety is not good for their cat with constipation. I feel the same way.. the clay... I wish Artie would switch over...sigh...

I also saw on Facebook on IBD kitties that someone is using cannibis for their cat.. not the real pot but the hallucinogenic aspect is synthesized out.. it is legal to sell. There is a company from Seattle which makes capsules of the stuff.. I found that interesting...

Can't imagine what my Vets would say if I ever mentioned that!! especially the S Vet... she would have a fit!!

Next week, I have to get more meds for Artie.. more Cerenia and another IV bag and line.. 

this was my break time after my dealing with Artie, the phone call, and me picking up the place a bit--swiffer and a quick dusting, and 2 loads of laundry...

Oh, I have to tell you guys this;

Artie is VERY happy when he lies on my lap with the soft fleece throw... he was happy  3 times last night!!! 

I used to get upset with this, especially the first time I saw this.. well, he is my first male cat.. so imagine my horror the first time!!!!

I asked my old vet about it..she laughed and said to let him enjoy himself.. but still.... I mentioned it to the S Vet.. she was horrified and told me not to allow it to happen...to tell him to stop...

funny thing, If, when he starts to get happy, I say to him, "No Willy".. he looks at me and stops!!!!

Crazy cat!!! but only when he is on my lap, with the fleece throw.... 

  Artie and his fleece throw...  from a couple years ago
 
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zed xyzed

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Midi loves Nature's Variety too. He also likes the Wild Callings Rabbit just as much, I suggest getting a can for him to see how he likes it (I checked it out and it too is a very good quality food and a little cheaper too)

Give sweet Artie a hug from me
 
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angels mommy

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Well, try not to let what "other people" think bother you. It's not their business of how you decide to proceed with Artie's care. You are his mamma, so only you know him best, & what is good for him.

It's good to hear he are a fair amount. Maybe by mixing in the Rx food the way you are, you will eventually be able to mix in more & more, until he is totally on it. 


It's also good he had a BM after eating, & that it wasn't watery.  

Maybe some of the walking weird is also gas pain??  As far as adding another med. I understand. If he's good about taking things in his food, you could get some cosequin from amazon, & add some in his food.

I used to put it in Angel's food, & he always ate it, no problem. I think it's flavored, if I remember right.  Just a thought. I am pretty sure I used to pay about $14-$16.00 a bottle on amazon for it.

This is the one I used to buy.

He originally was put on it, (well, the expensive Dasequin from the vets) back when he first had cystitis, for the bladder inflammation, but as he got older, I just kept him on it, to be better safe than sorry.

So maybe it would also help for any gut inflammation Artie may have as well. 



Continued prayers for you & Artie.
 Give that cutie some kisses for me!  
 
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