THE SCRATCHING POST
Issue #36, by Barbara Stanley, home2cats@aol.com
Home 2 Cats, P. O. Box 752671, Memphis, TN 38175-2671
Our Ninth Anniversary Edition!
- - H o m e 2 C a t s . o r g - -
Mews You Can Use
The Kidneys
Recently, one of our feral resident cats started losing weight. After a complete physical, Nugget was diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure (kidney disease). Since the kidneys and kidney related diseases are subjects I haven’t approached before in this newsletter, I started to research the matter.
I was very surprised at all the complex functions this pair of bean shaped organs perform. It would be impossible for me to relay all of their functions, but their main job is to filter the bloodstream and remove waste products that are produced during the metabolism of nutrients. Twenty five percent of the blood that enters the circulatory system from each heartbeat goes directly through the renal artery. The waste products from the bloodstream, along with any drugs or poisons that the kidneys filter, are eliminated from the body in urine produced by the kidneys.
The kidneys also help regulate the volume and composition of the blood and play a role in regulating blood pressure. They are responsible for the maintenance of water and electrolytes, (particularly potassium), phosphate and calcium in the body.
Each kidney is composed of thousands of individual functional units called nephrons. Every nephron is a self-contained unit that can form urine by itself. Because the blood undergoes flirtation in the nephrons, other diseases and infections can indirectly damage the kidneys. For our feline friend, this could have been uterine infection, diabetes, feline leukemia, hypertension, FIP and/or periodontal disease or even tooth infection. Anti-freeze or poisonous plants can also injure their kidneys.
All of the nephrons are not used at the same time so the kidneys are capable of increasing their workload if needed. Throughout the cat’s life, individual nephrons sustain damage from wear and tear, but enough functioning nephrons remain to provide adequate kidney function. When there is no longer any reserve and all the remaining nephrons can’t keep up, nitrogenous waste products build up in the bloodstream. About two-thirds or more of total kidney function is lost before most cats will show signs of illness or changes are noted on blood tests.
If your cat shows signs of increased or decreased thirst, change in urine output, decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss or lethargy, these could be indications of possible kidney problems.
As with Nugget, with the proper diagnosis from your veterinarian, a treatment plan can then be formulated.
- - H o m e 2 C a t s . o r g - -
Cat Tails
Tripper
The adoption process usually goes fairly smoothly, but it’s impossible to predict how some of these fur balls will behave, even when you think you know the cat’s personality inside and out.
(Of course a little prayer never hurt!) There is always one creature that is going to prove you wrong and in the process remind you how unpredictable animals can be. Such was Tripper.
Tripper’s name said it all. He was constantly underfoot vying for attention and extremely affectionate. Everyone was constantly tripping on this lovable fur ball. In addition, Tripper was just as affectionate to all the other animals.
At a fundraiser held at a local store, I met one of the employees, David. He stated that he worked long hours and was thinking about a companion cat for his current cat. I mentioned Tripper to him. I went to great lengths to tell him about this cat’s wonderful sweet personality and more importantly how he got along with the other cats. David said he would give it some thought.
A few weeks later I received a phone call from David who wanted to know if we still had the cat I had told him about. Yes, Tripper was still here and ready for adoption. After David passed our adoption protocol, an appointment was made for him to come meet Tripper.
David walked through the door and was greeted by some wonderful cats, but Tripper was nowhere to be seen. This was so unusual, as Tripper was an "in your face cat’ or at least always underfoot.
David was starting to bond with some other cats when Tripper finally decided to make his grand entrance. And what a grand entrance it was! The peaceful coexistence and harmony that had been present was shattered when Tripper appeared. He came in the room at full speed and as he sped around the room he pounced on every special need cat he passed. Tripper looked like he was thoroughly enjoying his dramatic entrance. (So much for "Tripper gets along with all cats"!)
I was so embarrassed I didn’t know what to say to David. After a brief moment of silence, I took a deep breath and then tried to capture the raging fur ball before he could continue with his ‘performance’. David just stood there, shook his head and calmly said, "He really isn’t showing me his nicest side."
After that, it was hard to get David to notice Tripper. David left shortly thereafter, but at least he seemed to be interested in several other cats, one being Tripper’s sister, Stella (at least Stella knew how to behave…she apparently didn’t inherit the ‘grand entrance theatrical’ gene!). David said he needed to narrow down his decision to just one. Tripper was definitely not one of the chosen few.
As he was leaving, David simply said he needed time to think. However, as his departure appeared more like fleeing a raging bull, I really didn’t expect to hear from him again. I thought he was just being polite and trying to depart on a pleasant note. But to our surprise and delight, David did return.
David said he wanted to adopt Tripper’s sister, Stella, and surprisingly enough, Tripper! It seems the little guy made a lasting impression after all with his grand entrance. Cats seem to have a sixth sense and I believe Tripper knew exactly what he was doing when he staged his performance. It seems David couldn’t get the raging fur ball out of his mind!
Animal and People Recognition
While losing a companion is one of life's greatest sorrows, never having one is to miss out on years of loving companionship.
In Memory Of Animals
Rusty
Beloved pet of Diane Slattery.
--Ellen LentzBeauregard
Beloved Companion of Rosemary & Matt.
--Bill & Rita VandenburghBeauregard aka ‘Beau’
Beloved pet of Rosemary Rodd & Matt Stitzer.
--Steve MeyerAllie
Beloved dog of Jeanie Condo.
She misses him so much, and will forever.
--Ruth Blann CartledgeRusty
--Brenda HosfordSpotty Muldoon
--Sidney & Robb NisbetHome 2 Cats
For the beloved residents, who are all deeply missed.
--Ellen LentzSierra
Beloved dog of Diana & Greg Brown.
--Ellen LentzSadie—Pretty Lady
Beloved sweet cat of Nathine Stark.
--Pam MageeStubby, Becky, Cotton, & Alice's Kittens
If only crying was enough ...
--Brenda, Donald, Robin, Georgie, Blue, & Alice.
In Honor Of Animals
Henry & Autumn
Happy Birthday!
--George & Linda BondHolle
You are the best feline sister!
--PhoebePhoebe
Back at you!
You do know we aren’t really sisters,
in the true sense of the word?
You’re a rescue cat, which makes you extra special.
We’ll talk about my origins later.
--HolleStrays and Ferals
For those not as lucky as we are.
--Holle & Phoebe
In Our Thoughts
Noire
We miss you!
--Polly, Robert & Heather Mize
In Memory Of People
Ted Cartledge
--Ruth Blann CartledgeLarissa F. Naumann
In memory of my mother who loved cats
& appreciated the Stanley’s and their rescue efforts.
--Ann Naumann Shill TiversNancy Babin
Cat lover and friend.
--Larry & Barbara StanleyJim
Beloved brother.
--Ruth Blann Cartledge
In Honor Of People
Lisa Yeary
For your kindness to Barbara at the cat show,
by letting her hold your Devon Rex,
who looked so much like Rex,
the beloved mascot of Home 2 Cats.
--Ruth Blann Cartledge
- - H o m e 2 C a t s . o r g - -
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HOME 2 CATS !!!
We are so proud to be celebrating our 9th birthday as of June 1.
We have had our sad and happy moments in those 9 years and you have shared some of those moments with us through this newsletter. The words of encouragement from many of you have helped us through some emotional difficult times that unfortunately go hand in hand with rescue.
A few of Home 2 Cats permanent residents are ready to celebrate!
|
(FeLv+) The lovable troublemaker. |
Showing off his dexterity. |
A big heart for small guy. |
(3-legged) |
|
(3-legged) Lovable and always underfoot. |
(One-eyed, 3-legged) Pretending not to care! |
(partially blind) An old soul in an active young body. |
 Winston (feral) With ears about to flatten - warning me to back off. |
 Sassy (feral) Her name says it all. |
 Pinky (neurological damage) Our resident ‘shaker’ cat. |
 Tinker Toy (brain-damaged) Lovable with an attitude. |
 Smokey Jo (FIV+) A big lovable lap cat. |
 Lucky Jack (FIV+) "Party? Where’s the cake?" |
- - H o m e 2 C a t s . o r g - -
|
Our mission
is: To provide food, medical care, love and sanctuary for injured, disabled or abused animals. To educate the public in what constitutes responsible cat care and ownership. To engage in other activities related to animal rescue and public education about cat care and responsibilities. |
- - H o m e 2 C a t s . o r g - -
actioncat.com
Graphics from CatStuff
Microsoft
Office: Design Gallery Live
*NaNcY*'s
Cat Animation Gallery
Lucky Cats portraiture by donaldmoon
Please bookmark this page and come back often!
This page was last updated
12/31/10.
Webmaster donaldmoon@aol.com
