Hi, I'm Emmett's human...

emmett

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Hi! I'm from snowy, rainy, cold and sometimes hot Cleveland, Ohio.  I've had multiple cats in my life and just discovered this forum while researching the problems my cat, Emmett, is having.

My last cat lived with me for 21+ years.  He was THE love of my life even though he was the meanest cat I've ever met...sometimes even towards me.  I've had every groomer in the Cleveland area groom him once and tell me never to come back until I found a place that would groom him if I held him down.  I didn't mind because if anyone was going to get bit I wanted it to be me.  The first time it happened though, wow, I cried.  The last time he bit me and the groomer and she ended up needing surgery.  I loved that cat, probably too much, because towards the end he was blind, deaf and the final stages of kidney failure.  I still couldn't let go.  It wasn't until I needed to start giving him fluids under the skin and knowing there was no way I was going to be able to do that myself twice a day, I knew I had to let him go.  And he went down fighting.  I still have flashbacks.  Anyway...

I hated coming home to no cat.  I hated not having that constant companion.  I do have (2) quaker parrots that I've been lucky enough that all the cats I've had have never bothered the birds and while birds can be loving and show emotion and even tell me they love me, it's not the same as a cat or dog.  Having the birds, one that flies to be with me, it would be tricky if I wanted a new kitty.  Did I get a kitten and go thru the training (it had been over 21 years since I had a kitten) or take my chances and get a rescue cat not knowing how it would be with my birds.  I wasn't even sure I wanted another cat.  There was no way I'd love anyone more than the cat I just lost.

Three weeks after I put him to sleep, I started looking.  I went to Petco and PetSmart and online.  I looked at specific breeders.  I decided I wanted a short hair female, the complete opposite of what I had lost.  I found a breeder selling Maine Coon kittens that were way out of my price range but such beautiful cats.  I asked if they ever sold their breeders once they stopped having kittens.  They had one long hair white beauty named Lilly.  I went over and visited with her but felt no connection.  I would go home and cry because what if I never felt that connection again???

One night I found this ad that was for Scottish Fold kittens.  I didn't even know what they were but I went to look anyway.  JUST LOOK.  Well, this little orange alien looking boy climbed up my leg and sat by me for an hour, never leaving my body.  I took him home that day.  I didn't have a thing for him.  No food, no litter box, no toys!  My family thought I lost my mind since it hadn't even been a month but Emmett chose me!

And he's been such a good boy!! I decided not to get him declawed which my family also said I'd be sorry for but I'm not!  He uses he posts all the time and he lets me cut his nails all the time no problems.  Even when we play he never uses his nails... I wish it were the same for the teeth : ) 

At almost 4 months old he was diagnosed with bilateral luxating patellas (or back knees that pop out of their socket).  Something to watch but not overly concerned since they seemed to pop back into place without any problem.  He grew up what I considered a normal kitten but now looking back maybe not.  He doesn't jump unless he has to and if he does it's not high.  He will jump on my night stand and then onto my bed instead of directly onto my bed.  He would rather play laying on his side or back than running after a ball.

He's not a little over 1.5 years old and I took him in for his yearly check-up early March and unfortunately, his knees have gotten worse.  I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon.  I had a decision to make.  Surgery, him not being able to walk by the time he's 3 or put him to sleep before the pain gets too bad.  What a horrible decision for anyone to have to make but Emmett made me love again!  I decided to consult with the surgeon and go from there.  I thought it would be easy... the vet would say set up a surgery time and let's fix this but he didn't say that.  He didn't really say anything.  He gave reasons why he needed surgery and reasons why he didn't have to have surgery.  The surgery is going to cost around $3,500 and take 8-12 weeks of absolutely no jumping or playing.  Not that I have that kind of money, but I'd find a credit card if I need to.

During the surgeon consult of course Emmett wouldn't walk, wouldn't move but he did a thorough physical exam and Emmett didn't meow or hiss or growl or try to bite.  Did I say he's such a good boy??  The surgeon said it was up to me, what I wanted to do...but I don't know what to do!!  So since he did NOT say surgery was needed I took that as we had some time so I said I'd bring him back in 6 months for a re-evaluation.  He will eventually need the surgery...

What Emmett has is a congenital defect probably from too much inbreeding but I love him and he loves me and I will do whatever it takes to keep him happy and healthy because loving him keeps me happy and healthy!

~Kris
 

margd

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Aww, what a darling little boy.  I never even got to the point of welcoming you to TCS
when that photo popped up and stole my heart. 
No wonder you took him home the same day and have grown to adore him. He's really special. 

I think you've made the right choice in delaying any treatment and taking him back for another evaluation in 6 months.  Perhaps by then, the orthopedic surgeon will have a better idea when to schedule the surgery. 

I am so sorry that you had to say goodbye to your other cat so recently.  It's always hard to let them go but after 21 years, it can be especially hard.  The scrappy ones and trouble makers do often have a charm of their own and it sounds like both of you enjoyed your time together.

One point:  thank you so much for not having Emmett declawed.  That amounts to amputating the ends of his toes and it's a cruel procedure, often leaving a cat with lifelong problems.  I can't imagine how that would work with a cat suffering from bilateral luxating patellas.  You and Emmett are lucky to have found each other. 


We love photos here so I hope you'll post lots of them as Emmett grows up into the gorgeous cat he will surely be.  Be sure to post any questions you have about his treatment or really any problem - there is almost always someone who knows the answer and is happy to help.
 
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emmett

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Aww, what a darling little boy.  I never even got to the point of welcoming you to TCS
when that photo popped up and stole my heart. 
No wonder you took him home the same day and have grown to adore him. He's really special. 

I think you've made the right choice in delaying any treatment and taking him back for another evaluation in 6 months.  Perhaps by then, the orthopedic surgeon will have a better idea when to schedule the surgery. 

I am so sorry the cat you had to say goodbye to so recently.  It's always hard to let them go but after 21 years, it can be especially hard.  The scrappy ones and trouble makers do often have a charm of their own and it sounds like both of you enjoyed your time together.

One point:  thank you so much for not having Emmett declawed.  That amounts to amputating the ends of his toes and it's a cruel procedure, often leaving a cat with lifelong problems.  I can't imagine how that would work with a cat suffering from bilateral luxating patellas.  You and Emmett are lucky to have found each other. 


We love photos here so I hope you'll post lots of them as Emmett grows up into the gorgeous cat he will surely be.  Be sure to post any questions you have about his treatment or really any problem - there is almost always someone who knows the answer and is happy to help.
He really has been the perfect fit for me!  He does get jealous of my one parrot that flies to me but they work it out... usually with Emmett running away!

I've had all my cats in the past declawed but for some reason I didn't want to do it this time.  "Back in the day" you got your cat fixed and declawed.  When I started visiting shelters I noticed how many were not declawed and felt there had to be a reason.  So I did my research and bought a post for each room and he has used them since day 1.  He will occasionally think my leg is a post but then I know it's time for a nail trim.  When I get home from work we have a routine where I tell him "let's get our pajamas on!" and I go change and he stretches and uses his scratching post. 

I wish he didn't come from a backyard breeder but it is what it is.  Thank you again for such a warm welcome!
 

mani

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He really is quite stunningly beautiful!  Looking forward to hearing more about him.
 

di and bob

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Welcome to the site! Emmett and you found each other for a reason. I would start saving what I could towards his surgery, you might want to shop around for a competent, good priced surgeon. If the breeder you got him from is registering kittens at all I would turn them in the licensing bureau so they are aware of that congenital problem. He is a sweet, beautiful little boy and I'll pray for both of you to get through this and everything will turn out alright, it just HAS to be! All the luck and give him a kiss for me! 
 
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