Tortoiseshell cats are named for their distinctive coloring – a combination of patches of black, brown, amber, red, cinnamon and chocolate. The size of the patches varies from a fine speckled pattern to large areas of color. The term “tortoiseshell” is used for cats with brindled coats that have few or no white markings. Cats of this coloring with larger areas of white fur are called calicos. Sometimes, these colors present in lighter versions such as lilac or cream. Torties with this lighter coloring are called dilute torties. Occasionally, the typical tortoiseshell colors are also seen in a tabby (striped) pattern, and these cats are sometimes referred to as “torbies.”
Tortoiseshell cats are almost exclusively female. Tortoiseshell and calico coats are the result of the interaction between genetic and developmental factors. The occasional and very rare male tortoiseshell cat is the result of a genetic mutation.
In addition to their distinctive coloring, torties also have a reputation for unique personalities, sometimes referred to as “tortitude.” They tend to be strong-willed, a bit hot-tempered, and they can be very possessive of their human. Other words used to describe torties are fiercely independent, feisty and unpredictable. They’re usually very talkative and make their presence and needs known with anything from a hiss to a meow to a strong purr. These traits are stronger in tortoiseshell cats than in calicos – it seems as though these traits are somewhat diluted with the addition of more white to the color scheme.
As of the writing of this post, I share my life with Amber*, and those of you who’ve followed this blog for a while have gotten to know her in her Amber’s Mewsings posts. You will soon be able to read all about Buckley in Buckley’s Story – Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher. The photo above shows Buckley in the front, Amber behind her.
Prior to Amber and Buckley, there was another tortie in my life. Virginia was the first office cat at the animal hospital I managed. She was my introduction to torties, and my love affair with this particular type of cat began with her. She, too, had the “tortitude” I so love about these particular cats.
Do you have a tortie or calico in your life? Does she have “tortitude?”
*Sadly, Amber passed away on May 13, 2010, after a sudden, brief illness. I now share my life with Allegra and Ruby, two tortoiseshell cats who have their own columns here on The Conscious Cat, titled Allegra’s World and Ruby’s Reflections.
Photo ©Ingrid King, all rights reserved
Hello all – I am the foster mommy of a 6 mo old tortie whose original owner thought she was “cute” until her tortie personality surfaced! She was going to go to the pound if I didn’t take her. I’m currently going to list her in a local cat rescue site but she is still quite sassy about being handled. I am only an experienced purrson with Siamese – not torties. Can anyone help me to get her better with being handled?
Torties are really no differen than other cats when it comes to addressing behavior issues, Pam – the same rules apply. Some of them may just take a little longer to change, because they can be, well, shall we say strong-willed:-). I’m not sure what you’re referring to with her being sassy about being handled. If you’re talking about petting aggression, here’s an article that should help: https://ingridking.com/2012/02/08/petting-aggression-in-cats-biting-the-hand-that-loves/
Many thanks Ingrid for the reply…. My little tortie is VERY loving….when SHE wants to be! Dare you pick her up when she’s not WANTING the attention she will chirp and “peck bite” you until you release her. She’s learned to play without claws and much of the time is pretty tame – but typical kitten as she is, she gets rough every now and then. She also escapes using all claws as well…with the rear ones doing the most damage. (I haven’t been able to enlist another family member to help me trim them – fronts I can wrap her in a towel to do….) Think I’m going to find some treats and always have them in my hands when I pick her up – see if I can tame her a bit thataway….and suggestions are welcome!
That definitely sounds like petting aggression, Pam.
Well, dear friends, Miss Gracie is going on vacation tomorrow to a cattery. I am taking my Mom out of town to visit one of her oldest friends for 5 days (I think their jaws will hurt, and my ears will hurt). Whilst our cattery is run by one of the most devoted cat people I know, I know that Gracie will not enjoy one second of her time there. My last cat, Buddie, adored the cattery and it’s owner (she, likewise, adored him). Gracie is another story. She will bite, hiss (or swear as the cattery owner puts it!) and generally sulk until we come back to pick her up. Fortunately it’s only for a few days but I will probably be off the site for a week and a half. I will miss you guys. Take care everyone. I will catch up on my return.
Have a safe trip, Margaret. Friends of ours just boarded their cats at a facility that had “cat-cams” where we and they were able to watch their kitties while they were gone. I’m sure the cats told them they were miserable, but they looked pretty happy to us!
Margaret, I wish both you and your Mom a safe and wonderful trip. Gracie will most likely be a little put off (saying this nicely) at being left at the cattery. Hopefully it will still be in one piece when you get back to pick her up.
We will miss you on here for a very short time until your return.
Have a safe trip, Margaret. You may want to look into having a pet sitter come to your house for future trips – it might be less stressful for Gracie (and you!).
Our family here has all lost another little one. This time it is Jay’s beautiful, gentle, orange guy, Pumpkin. This has devastated Jay, as I knew it would and as all you know it has. He is a man who puts his kittens and critters above himself in every way. This loss is particularly hard, because Jay was only trying to keep Punky free of fleas. He had an allergic reaction to the Hartz Flea Spray.
As always on this site, when one loses a loved kitten we all have lost. We all treasure each and every one our kittens equally.
For those who only know of Stirfry, Jay’s Tortie, Pumpkin is her son. As full of Tortitude Stir is, the opposite is true of Pumpkin. He was so very gentle, timid, then loving and oh so beautiful to watch. Pumpkin would not hurt a mouse. He would play with them, then bring them to Jay, alive and well. Then Jay, being the animal lover he is, would release the mouse back outside, knowing full well that mouse would most likely come back in to play with Pumpkin.
So today, on this beautiful day, with clear blue skies and white fluffy clouds and sun, Pumpkin went thru the curtain to cross over the Rainbow Bridge, where he is now a kitten once again and has many brothers and sisters to play with. He will even find a mouse or two there to play with. Rest in Peace Pumpkin, One day you will see Dad and all your family. Stay near Steeler as you did with Stir, and when the Thunder Rolls in the Heavens, we will all know you are not alone and you will never be alone. Ever.
Bernie, what a beautiful way you have with words. My heart just aches over Punky’s passing. So sad to lose a beautiful soul in this way.
She does have a way with words. And just like a tortie, I wouldn’t piss her off if I were you 🙂
My dear friend Harry, 😛
Margaret my words come from within my heart. I watched Punky go thru the curtain and held him tightly while he looked into Jay’s eyes. They looked at each other with such love and devotion. I, too, love this little giant gentle soul.
Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you Bernie and everyone. Hopefully Punkies passing will show others not to use over the counter flea medicine. I am hearing more bad things about Hartz Flea spray. I am taking Frankie and Tabby to the Vet tomorrow. Neither travel well. Wish I had an SUV with a roof rack. Bernie can tell you than Frankie can clear out a car within seconds. But they have pills that can help.
I just read this, this evening; that is a shock. I am so sorry to hear this.
Sad news. Today Punky went to meet Steeler, Dominique (his sister) May, Cookie & Kelly and Sky. He had fleas and last night Bernie and I treated Frankie, Tabatha and Pumpkin with Hartz Flea spray. He had an allergic reaction and even though he ate last night he came out to greet us this morning but was wobbly and we rushed him to the Vet. He passed away in Bernie’s arms looking at me. Steeler will have a new friend and watch over him tonight.
Oh no! I’m so sorry, Jay! That’s horrible! I’m so very sorry for your loss, and to lose a cat in this way is just devastating. My heart goes out to you.
I am So sorry to read your sad sad news Jay. As you know there are no words to express how truly devastated you must be, nor are there the words to comfort you right now. Just know that Punky is frolicking carefree and healthy with Steeler now.
I’m sharing your tears.
Jay, I’m just crushed. I know how devastating it is, all the more so when it’s unexpected, and besides, the child goes before mom cat. You’re in our thoughts.
I had to read that post a few times over before it hit me. Poor Pumpkin, he will be missed greatly. I am so sorry Jay and Bernie.
Big gentle Pumpkin? I can’t believe it, he was still so young. I’m so sorry, Jay. Too much loss lately.
Condolences about dear Punky… i hope you are ok and getting through your loss… No doubt his sister Steeler, Cookie, May, Kelly and my Sky will be looking after their new friend whilst they wait for us… take care and remember the happy memories our wonderful breed of cat gave us x
Oh Jay, I’m so so sorry to read about Punky. I hope you find comfort knowing that he passed in loving arms and that you were there with him.
Kelly, I am so happy first to know that you had 20 happy years with your beloved Sky. That is amazing for both of you. I also know how heartbroken you are. My Steeler went over the Rainbow Bridge on April 30, this year. She will be romping with Sky.
There is only one other thing I will tell you. That is, every time the thunder rolls in the skies, that is Steeler. So when you hear thunder, know that you Sky and all others are with Steeler making the thunder roll in the skies.
I would like to appropriately use this website that appreciates torties to remember my beloved Sky who pased away yesterday after being my buddy for 20years… an amazing life and has trully left a whole in my heart i love her so much… she was an absolute diva cat who passed away like an old fashioned starlett with no crying that day just silent and purring waiting for the curtain to open to rainbow bridge… torties are a one of a kind breed of cats and i will always have a love affair with them especially after the amazing memories of my scatty stubborn loyal beautiful Sky.. sleep tight baby xx
I’m so sorry about Sky, Kelly. 20 years is a long life for a kitty, but it’s never long enough. Sky sounds like she was a true tortie: words like diva and starlett were invented with torties in mind. My heart goes out to you as you mourn the loss of your beautiful girl.
I am so sorry to hear about Sky, Kelly. Even though I know she is at the Bridge romping as she used to when a spry kitten, it still saddens me to tears to hear of your loss.
She will have some wonderful other friends to play with while she waits for you. I;m sure that Bernie’s Steeler will show her around.
Again, my sincerest sympathy for the loss of your furry baby, Sky.
Always nice to hear from another Tortie lover. Skywas lucky when she picked you as her caretaker. We know she was loved and spoiled rotten. And as Betty said, Steeler will watch out for her as will our other furred friends that left us and are waiting to greet us again on the other side.
Kelly, I am late in a reply, but I am glad you had the chance to love such a remarkable cat for 20 years. That hole in your heart will be filled with happy memories in time.
She was greeted by my tortie Kelly who left me on August 11 at age 18, and her “sister tortie”, my best friend Cookie, who left in February, and would have been 20 in July.
Each of them is a complete individual, just like their markings.
Kelly, I’m so sorry for your loss. I love your description “waiting for the curtain to open to rainbow bridge” – such a beautiful way to describe her passing. I am sure in time as your grief lessens all the beautiful memories you have of Sky will give you comfort. We are so blessed with the torties who come into our lives.
Made Pork Chops today. Styx ate some but Stir and Frankie did not touch theirs. Picky cats.
They’re waiting for the day when tuna steaks are on the menu…
When looking around Facebook yesterday, I noticed a link in my sidebar to a Tortie Group! I posted a link to this site on there this morning (hope that was ok Ingrid), so thought I would post a link to the group on here. Your membership has to be aprroved which I kind of like sue to all the nuts I’ve encountered on FB!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/182008333088/
I think some of us are already members of that group, Betty, and thank you for sharing the link to my blog!
Happy Birthday to our favorite foster failure – Harry.
Have a purrfect day
Happy Birthday Harry! May the next year bring you health, wealth and happiness and lots and lots of kitties adopted!
Thank you, everyone! Sorry we’ve been so quiet, but it’s been a busy few weeks. I did get a couple of kitties adopted today, and also got a pit bull bath.
Congratulation on reaching a milestone on your birthday, “69 you say”. Wow you look good for your age.
Hey now adopting out a couple of kitties is great. The pit bull bath, well, not so much. LOL
Harry and Ingrid. Steeler says sorry for the storms and Tornado. But if you don’t want this to be a common occurrence you will watch The Steelers play on Sunday at 6pm.
But hope you liked the THUNDER. That cat can sure talk.
We would appreciate it if Steeler could dial it down a bit! The tornado warning was very scary – it touched down very close to where we live. Good luck to her team today!
I have asked Steeler to take pity on all of you and us too. Those storms that have been hitting your area are uncalled for. I told her you only loved her and tried to help her while she was here. I hope she heard me.
Give the little ones extra kitty kisses and hugs from me.
Thank you, Bernie! I think she heard you: we’ve had gorgeous late summer weather for the past couple of days!
Tim is still growing quite rapidly and is active.
He was nose to nose with the big orange guy, Taz, this morning and there wasn’t “unpleasantness”.
Kasey let him get within 2 feet while she was eating but must have felt generous, tonight is a different story with warning growls.
Morgan is still afraid of him.
I had forgotten how kittens take an interest in odd things and I am not used to that any more.
I was working on a laundry sink cabinet this morning and had applied some white wood glue to a surface and was about to secure a piece of wood trim to it with screws.
Tim was all over me at this point and was most insistent at getting his nose in the glue and licking it, quick action prevented this from happening and a short attention span took care of any repeat attempt.
Baby’s are sure different, Kasey, Taz or Morgan would have had zero interest in the glue; you have to think ahead a bit to keep them out of trouble.
I learned all those kitten lessons with Allegra. She was seven months old when I adopted her, and I hadn’t had a kitten in more than 20 years. All my other cats had come to me as adults. It’s quite an experience, isn’t it!
It is amazing what they can come up with…………………..and many of the decisions aren’t that wise 😉
Then there’s the “orange factor”.
I always thought on terms of adopting an older cat but sometimes they choose you.
He still likes to sit with people like a little adult, when he isn’t tearing around, that is.
Glen, multiply that x’s three. I know you are enjoying your little Tim. I know I am enjoying my little ones. Like you, I am amazed at all the mischief they can get into, and just think, no planning of brain storming to do it. They just do it.
It is a good to read that Kasey, has accepted Tim, to an acceptable degree an to think Taz is a little intimated is truly funny. Morgan it seems is just saying oh well. Dad pulled a different stunt this time.
Really enjoying your tales. LOL
I just gave a flea bath to 5 cats. Had to shower myself to get the blood off. Frankie was the worst. Flea bombed the house but only 4 of 5 are in the basement. Stir got up 3 times and is now under the couch. No basement door but a spiral staircase from basement to 2nd floor.
I thought I had some hare in the drain but I have a whole herd of rabbits. Punky was the worst. Cat has never had a bath.
Jay, I think I am going to try to find a medal for you. Anyone who tackles bathing one cat is good. Bathing 5 cats is heroic. There is a special place for folks like you. Let us all know when you need those transfusions. LOL
Wow it has been so quiet on here, I am wondering what happened to our yappy group.
I am sitting here typing this and listening to the thunder of little paws on the old oak flooring upstairs.
The kittens are all upstairs playing and running like a thundering herd of buffalo. The noise is unbelievable.
Freedom is up there watching, she is not one to join in, except for the occasional slap up along side the head of one of the kittens that gets to close to her. Never does she try to bite or claw them. She is just the mother of a Tortie (Justice) and a gray tiger tabby (Liberty). By the way Freedom is also the Grandmother to another of my Torties (Dajudge, aka DJ). DJ’s mom is one of Freedom’s kittens from an earlier litter of hers.
I have not made many changes to my decorating, antiques or any thing else, so far. These guys do pretty much whatever they want to do. So far nothing that would have me screaming except for climbing up my sheers and draperies on the windows. They have 2 kitty towers and lots of places to go high and jump. But for some reason, they have to at least once a day climb up the draperies and only in the living room. They don’t do this in any other room. Go figure. The one room that is one of the first to be seen by me in the AM and anyone who enters the house after the dining area. They all go into a showoff mode when anyone is here. They know when to shine and they also know when to run when I (mom) says “hey hey hey”. LOL
It has been quiet here!
That’s some complicated feline family relationships you’ve got there, Bernie!
And I know just what your babies need so they stop climbing up your drapes: The Cat’s Trapeze! http://www.catstrapeze.us/
Ingrid, I just check out the trapeze. It looks impressive, however, without knowing shipping an handling charges, I am hesitant. The trapeze is one part only, the pillows are additional. I would need to know more on this before I would make a decision.
It looks as if this could be made with lightweight sewing canvas. I believe it is something I could make myself, that is if I could find some free time. I think I will give it some serious thought. I do have the material necessary to make one or even two. LOL
Thanks for the info. The Flying Tracyies may be my excuse to have new draperies and sheers made for my windows. Now there’s a good idea. New decorating uumm.
They know which ones are the most expensive. Some kitties can pick out good jewelery vs the cheaper stuff too. Not mentioning names – but you know who.
I enjoy reading about the frolicking of babies. It is something that is always guaranteed to give me a smile for a change.
That trapeze that Ingrid recommended looks like something that kitties of all ages would enjoy. Out of my price range, but other than that I would grab one in a heartbeat.
Happy Birthday Ruby. 2 years old !!!!!!!!
Thanks, Jay! The birthday girl is sitting in my lap as I’m typing this, waiting for me to get off the computer so she can start opening her presents!
Went a couple of days without a/c, the 3 year old unit died a premature death, after taking many $$$ in repair bills, but the manufacturer came through with a warranty replacement, actually, an upgrade.
The point of the story is that the windows were open the last few nights.
I was concerned that something might come to a window at night that is on the list of things she doesn’t like (a VERY extensive list).
Like the story I told from a few years back, she will bodily hit the screen trying to get at what ever happens to be out there, not a good wake up call in the wee hours. 😉
Glen I know of what you speak. I was never able to use screens with Steeler. Even tho she could not jump on the window sills, I never put screen in the storm doors. She would have gone thru that screen faster than a lighting strike.
I can just see Kasy going thru a screen and the sounds would cause the neighbors to call the rescue squads!!!LOL
Ok Tortie family, in honor of Steeler, I would not be doing right by her if I did not remind everyone in her Tortie family of the following?
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The 2012 NFL season officially opened tonight at 8:30 PM with the New York Giants vs the Dallas Cowboys. Steeler and I don’t have a dog in this battle, just a reminder that our team “The Pittsburgh Steelers” will begin to play on Sunday. So if you hear Thunder and Lightning, it will be Steeler reminding all that she is a big Steeler fan and she may or may not like the outcome of her team. LOL
Just saying!!!!!
Can’t figure out why my new shower smell like wet cat. Tabatha and Stir got there’s today. Punky hid as soon as I looked at him.
Stir got showered?????
That procedure can’t be for the faint hearted.
Glen, that is why the earth is off it’s axis today!!!!! Storms galore and more.!!!!!
Yeah, that whole episode just seem unnatural, I would hate to have to shampoo Kasey.
Here is the lighter side of out day at the vet’s.
JD (dajudge) received her shot, without any fight, then when Doc went to listen to her heart, she flipped on her back, as only kittens can do, (yep you all know what I mean). She grabbed Doc’s hand and started to play, kicking him and putting her teeth on him, but not biting. This took him and I by surprise and Doc said “you little s—, you want to play. So he actually tickled her for a minute and let her kick and bite at his large hand”. His assistant laughed at this site of this little thing, doing this. Doc said this is one of the few times a kitten has actually wanted to play when at his office. He said now this is one happy kitten. If only he know how happy she really makes me.
Marg, thanks for the kind words about Freedom. She will be fine. Thanks.
How is Gracie doing? I have been keeping up with her infection. Has it cleared up completely?
Miss Gracie (fortunately and with fingers crossed) seems to be on the mend. She had her last shot last Thursday and we haven’t seen any evidence of blood in her urine since Friday. The vet gave her a really thorough examination and said she was in no pain whatsoever, it just seemed to be a resistant bug. She is tearing around the house like normal and behaving just like a tortie should. If eating and talking to her toys is a sign that she is well – she is well! Thank goodness. What a time these precious little bundles give us sometimes. It’s a wild and windy day here today folks – gale force winds and the pollen count is very high. Hayfever season! Hope everybody is well – folks and critters alike!
I’m so glad to hear Gracie is doing well, Margaret!
Today, I took JD and Freedom to the vet. JD had to have her follow up shot. She is well. Going to be spayed and chipped on Oct 8.
Freedom has a skin condition. She was given a shot and will recheck in 2 weeks or sooner. Darn she lived outdoors and was healthy. She is now a pampered kitten and decided to get a skin condition. There is a name for it and right now I don’t recall it. It, however, is the type that will reoccur. So now she will be on my watch closely list.
Seems like I am keeping my vet in business.
Sorry to hear about Freedom’s skin issues. They can be tough to deal with. Is it allergies, or something else?
Freedom’s skin issue is not an allergy. There is a name for it, but I don’t have it right here to write the correct name of it. It is not uncommon in cats, but as you noted the vet also says it is tough to deal with since it can pop up anywhere on her. We caught it early so maybe that will help. She was given a cortisone shot and it will be rechecked in 2 wks.
I was surprised to see something on her, because she has been doing so well since coming indoors. I am hopeful that it can be cleared up.
I don’t was to be giving her a “shower”, as poor Frankie. She has a heavy dandruff so I will be massaging some baby oil on her to see if that helps. Anything to give her start on this one.
Poor Freedom. At least it is something that can be treated and hopefully will settle down in time. She is lucky she is now indoors, getting good food, love and attention. If love is the answer, she will be better soon!
Please let me know what it is when you get a chance to check, Bernie.
Gave a shower to Frankie today. Ever try to pick up a running chainsaw ?
Have a flea problem and Frank was 1st.
This is one for the books. Put in a whole new shower stall so you can bathe kittens. What a guy.
Poor Frankie – and poor you. Flea problems are not fun to deal with.
Gracie has been scratching more than usual the past few days or so but I’ve been putting off de-fleaing her until I’m sure she’s over her urine tract infection. I think I’ll give her another couple of days and then try to pin her down. She finds the whole flea treatment thing very stressful though … I use the Revolution brand spot treatment (applied on the scruff of the neck) … I’ll have to try and sneak up on her and distract her with something!
Been quiet on here for a while Over the weekend I was at Bernie’s and met little DJ.
She is a bundle of energy. Hard to get a good picture of her. And like Steeler , Bernie said Justice was impossible to hold. Guess no one told her that as I was able to pick her up and carry her to Bernie. Got some pics of them all but Justice and Liberty would run to the round mirror to examine themselves before hitting the kitty tower. I was never fast enough to get that. Bernie was able to last night and put it on her FB page.
I had to leave Sunday nite as could not get anyone to check on the barn critters.
Jay is bragging again about his genius with Torties. Justice certainly did let him pick her up and hold her. He brought her to me to show me his power with her and when he handed her to me, she split like a lightning bolt hit her.
DJ is so fast it as if she is still at warp speed. Just a joy to watch them all play.
I did manage to get a pic of Justice looking at herself in the convex mirror. This is a ritual, jump on mom’s chair, look in the mirror and then jump to the tower. If you can look on my facebook, just look at those eyes looking back from the mirror. Halloween for sure. LOL
I saw that photo, Bernie – it’s so cute!
It’s such a good photo, Bernie – talk about being in the right place at the right time! Miss Gracie likes to look in the mirror too. When she was a kitten it was the arched back run up to the mirror followed by a “oh, you’re right in front of me … hang on … you look familiar” routine. Now, it’s more a “yawn … does my fur look OK … I haven’t slept on one side more than the other have I … no, I can face the world and feel confident” look on the way out of the bedroom door. She’s a funny little critter.
Latest on Tim
He had a good vet visit yesterday.
The vet thinks he will have a chronic sneezing and minor respiratory issues due to a rough start. This would be made worse by poor weather conditions and stress; another reason he is lucky to be an indoor cat. These things don’t slow him down, he is VERY active.
He is 10 weeks old now and weighs in at 5 pounds; the vet thinks he’s going to be another big orange guy, like Taz is.
Morgan is still afraid of him. He has been nose to nose with Taz, Taz will hiss a bit but not very often now.
Kasey has mellowed, her hiss within an 8 foot approach has gone down to a 3 to 4 foot approach; all in all, I think the introductions are going pretty well.
I should have also added, the vet said if Tim didn’t still have all his baby teeth, he could easily be mistaken for being an older cat than he is.
Like Taz was as a kitten, he will often play and wrestle with larger objects than would be considered normal kitten toys.
The fact that she even lets him come into the same room is an improvement.
Wow, 5 pounds at 10 weeks – that is big! With the kind of start he had in life before you rescued him, he’ll need good immune support throughout his life, but like you said, none of this is slowing him down in the least!
I had my hubby pick up a couple of cans of different flavors of the Fancy Feast classic food last night. So far I have given them the chicken and they devoured it in about two minutes! One would think I hadn’t fed them in days…lol
The only thing I noticed when I looked at the receipt to see the price, is that their price for a 3 oz can is the same as the Little Friskies price for a 5.5 oz can. So basically it would mean buying twice the amount of food I normally do.
Unfortunately that means that currently the budget just cannot afford to double the kitty food amount. I am truly hoping that once we relocate to our house and my husbands mileage is cut by two thirds and there are no more tolls to and from work that we can then make the change.
We really need something to change financially!
Betty, I told you before, you do the best you can. Don’t ever feel like you’re not doing right by your babies! Look for coupons and sales and get the Fancy Feast when you can.
Betty I am just trying to do a little catching up on here. How is you little one doing. I hope things are better. Don’t apologize for not being a good mom, from what you are doing, you are a wonderful Momma. Your kittens could not have been so lucky with anyone else.
He was doing better but I think I stopped the new med too soon so am giving it to him again. Just keeping my fingers crossed that he stays loving the fancy feast classic beef as that is what I hide it in.
Thank you for your words of encouragement Bernie. I know it all stems from my lifetime of self-esteem issues, which I have never been able to overcome. Everytime I begin to feel slightly better about myself, it seems someone comes along and slams me back down to the pavement again. Such is life I guess, at least mine.
Hi everyone – latest Miss Gracie update. She still had a little blood in her urine last night (9 days after her 2nd convenia shot). We are monitoring her closely. She is eating well, drinking, playing, talking – all normal except for the blood. I think the next step will be a urine test at the vet. Fingers crossed that it’s nothing sinister. Do bladder infections sometimes take a while to shift?
Urinary tract infections can take time to resolve, depending on the cause. I’m surprised that your vet didn’t run a urinalysis when you first took her there for urinary symptoms. It’s too late now to run a urine culture since she’s already on antibiotics.
The fact that she’s otherwise acting normal is a good sign.
Thank you for the Miss Gracie update Margaret. Good news is as Ingrid said, she is otherwise acting normally. I agree that is is strange your vet didn’t already do a test on her urine.
Please keep us updated!
Hi again … my Mum and Gracie have just returned from the Vet – despite having a few “clear” pees yesterday last night she had one that was slightly tinged with blood. The vet gave her a good examination and said that everything looks and feels OK so she’s had a third convenia shot. He thinks maybe this will shift the last of the infection. Fingers crossed. Like you say, Ingrid, it’s too late for a urine culture now. Hopefully this will resolve now and never happen again but I will certainly be better informed if it does. Her behaviour is still pretty normal. She was a little quiet yesterday morning so I put it down to the “infection”. Of course, she may just have been a little tired (she doesn’t sleep all night … like most kitties she is up and down, prowling around the place). She is eating like a horse, and playful most of the time. I think by the time she is better I will be at the Dr’s for something for my nerves! Hope everybody here (four legged and two legged!) are doing well. Best wishes from Oz!
I know what you mean about your nerves, Margaret! It’s hard when our babies are sick. All my best to both you and Gracie!
Update on Stirfry. Just came back from the vet. Her ears are better. Just a slight yeast infection. I was given some drops for her ears. Tresaderm. 4 – 5 drops per ear every 12 hours.
She was good at the vet but just wanted to go home. Don’t blame her.
Hi gang. Most of you know I am very busy with business at home during this time. I have read every post on here. I try to say something, whether it contributes or not, well you be “the judge”.
Having said that, today Justice had to go have her stitches removed at the vets. She sensed she had to go before I even was ready. So before I was able to catch her and I do mean catch her, this little bundle of Tortie, made me give blood, and plenty of it. Thank heaven she is done for a year. Next come Dejudge (DJ). I may be anemic before I get through all these vet business.
That Tortie is living up to her name. Justice was served. Paid in blood.
Ok you all. I see where the folks that read the naming of Dajudge fell.
After a lot of thought for her to have her own identity, I have decided to keep Dajudge. She is and will be call DJ for short. It seems to fit her unpredictable, loving and always moving character. She is a real character. She will do things just to see if she can. I have had to rescue her a number of times because she had gotten herself into an area she could not found the way to back out. So DJ is short for Dajudge and so be it. I will still then be able to have fun with her name. She is different from the other kittens all together. Hence DJ. 🙂
DJ would be adorable as a name or nickname. I admit to liking it much better than her full name Dajudge. With that being said, I also haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her so Dajudge may be perfect for her. Just prefer DJ 😉
I need some advice and I apologize for my spelling of the word I need help on…lol
One of my babies, Brad, has had diarhhea (sp) off and on for a couple of months. We took him to the vet and she gave him some liquid and pill antibiotics along with a box of packets of probiotic sprinkles for his food.
Giving him the antibiotics were pure hell, my husband and a friend had to do it since I am not able to chase him or hold him if he is fighting to get away. My husband had to resort to wearing leather gloves, using a towel with the help of my friend also holding him. It was an awful week both for the kitty and my hubby and friend. I don’t know if we could do it again since my friend has returned to NH.
Is there any other over the counter treatment we could give him to help get rid of the diarhhea? The doctor couldn’t find any reason why he had it, so assumed it was an infection. His poopies are like liquid and I need it to stop so he doesn’t lose weight. It is hard to tell if he has lost any as he is not a persian, but hus hair is longer and thicker than a normal short hair. I have noticed his normal fluffy tail is not fulffy any more 🙁
I am worried about him and don’t know if another trip to the doctor would help him since it would probably involve more daily antibiotics.
thank you!
I’m so sorry Brad is having these issues, Betty. I know it’s upsetting when our babies get sick. Most vets reach for antibiotics as a first line of treatment. I’m guessing that you were given Metronidazole/Flagyl?
I would continue giving the probiotic (or get a good over the counter one, I like http://amzn.to/OKxpf5. Additionally, if you’re not already feeding a grain-free canned diet, this is the time to switch. Here’s an article on the connection between inflammatory bowel disease and diet that explains why: https://ingridking.com/2010/09/13/inflammatory-bowel-disease-and-diet/
Sometimes, the results, after taking the grain out of the diet and using probiotics, can be quite dramatic.
You can also try to add some canned pumpkin (just plain pumpkin, not the pie filling) to his food – 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon is all it takes.
I hope this helps.
I never thought for a minute that Miss Gracie would take to eating pumpkin … over the weekend I bought some of the “Applaws” brand cat food (no preservatives or additives or colouring agents) … surprisingly she loves the chicken and pumpkin flavour. Her bladder infection seems to be clearing up well. The locum vet we saw on Saturday had a completely different opinion from our usual vet when it came to wet food. He said “the more the better” but he also advocated the Science Diet Bladder formula. At least he agreed on the wet food front … I was very diplomatic in my questioning of the dry food formula (well, diplomatic for me). My mother laughed all the way home in the car about the “interrogation” the vet got!
Good for you for questioning the vet, Margaret. I’m glad Gracie likes the new food.
Gracie is doing OK in her recovery but I noticed she still has a little blood in her urine. She has had a second convenia shot (I was more receptive to it this time since she seemed to have no ill-effects the first time). It is two weeks since we first noticed it. The blood is not constant, just every now and again. Hopefully this shot will help her to clear the infection from her system. She is still playful, talkative and eating so fingers crossed. I hate when our furrie babies aren’t well. Being a bit of a pessimist I always think the worst. I don’t think I would be able to deal with unwell “real” children at all!
My husband ordered a treatment for him that I am hoping works. Of course he really wasn’t thinking when he ordered it as it is a gel in a syringe which I know would be a battle to give to him. It says it is “chicken flavor” so I am hoping that he will lick it off my finger vs the syringe application. If not I will try mixing it in some pure canned chicken to see if that works.
I know I should be using grain free foods for my babies, but at this time I just cannot afford it for 4 babies. I have looked at many of the places that sell it and it is just too expensive.
I feel like a bad mommy 🙁
You’re not a bad mommy, Betty! I always tell people to feed the best food they can afford. You may want to look at Fancy Feast – even though it’s not my preferred brand, they do have some grain-free flavors/varieties, and you can usually get really good deals on that brand.
Did you start using the probiotic?
I am using the rest of the box of the Purina one we bought from the vet. The new one should be here in a day or two.
I will look at the Fancy Feast. I have tried a couple flavors in the past and my babies didn’t like it and refused to eat it. The same was the case with my first tortie, she would not eat it. Perhaps the flavors have improved.
This is some of what they’re getting now combined with the regular little friskies flavors: http://friskies.com/Cat-Food/Friskies-Plus/Friskies-Plus-Classic-Pate-Chicken-Tuna-Dinner
I will try picking up a couple of cans to see if things have changes. Thank you for the suggestion.
Betty, you husband likes chicken flavored medicine ?
lol…no Jay, I’m hoping my kitty Brad will ike the chicken flavored medicine. As for my hubbie he can find something else to lick off my fingers 😉
Thank you for the ipdate on Miss Gracie. I’m glad to hear she is still playful and eating normally.
Please keep up updated on the results of the latest injection and if the blood goes away.
Betty, that particular flavor has rice in it, which is considered a grain. You’re going to have to read labels (and that might be easier to do online, if you’re anything like me, the small print on cat food labels is virtually impossible to read!). You’ll want to look for anything that has no rice, corn, oats, wheat or barley in it.
ok, thank you for the list as I wasn’t sure what constitutes “grain”. I will look for something different like the fancy feast.
I’ve done some reading into Fancy Feast because I fed it to many of my seniors when their appetites were difficult. The “Classic” style has no grains in it at all, though it does have meat by-products, but it was always my choice because it also had plenty of real meat in it. The benefit of this variety is that it’s the least expensive of all their foods, and you can sometimes even find a few cans in CVS and Walgreens and convenience stores (yes, I’ve driven around in the middle of the night looking for something they’ll eat). Peaches would have told you the Savory Salmon was the best, while Stanley preferred the Tender Beef and Liver. You can add plenty of water and it still has flavor.
There are “Appetizers” and other meals in peel-off plastic containers that are really just processed meat with juice and some preservatives, but they are also more expensive and at that point you’re probably better off making the leap to one of the quality grain-free. All the other varieties contain either wheat gluten or have gravy with modified corn starch.
Hope that helps you!
Thank you for the great info Bernadette. I will look into the Fancy Feast and start reading labels better.
My Brad would like the beef and liver, however so far none of mine will eat salmon of any kind. They don’t even like the real canned salmon for people. Also none of them are real fish lovers unless it is people tuna fish in the can. Their flavors of choice are turkey, chicken and beef. Of course they also like some “people food” table treats like ham, pork, turkey, chicken, and beef (both roasts and hamburger).
Some of my babies have unual likes as well:
Then there is my Janet who will only eat people food sweets, no meat except for thanksgiving turkey time. She loves the donut part (no chocolate!) in Entlemans Chocolate covered donuts, she also likes potato chips. She goes nuts over the inner donut. She does eat kitty canned and dry food though.
Both she and Colmbia also love pork rinds. Columbia has always loved white bread since she was a kitten. She will eat the white wheat, but not regular wheat.
Brad likes peanut butter. Rocky will only eat people meats, and canned kitty food. He won’t eat any of the dry food I’ve tried.
So what it comes down to is a group of picky eaters. Fortunately they will all eat canned food and 3 out of the 4 will also eat dry food.
Betty, you are far from a bad mommy to your little ones. If anything, you have put your health after the kittens. Please take care of yourself. As for expensive food for your kittens, you will find Fancy Feast pate is not expensive. Watch the sales papers and many times you can purchase many cans at a very reasonable price. Also go to their website, and find coupons for the Friskies. I would feed that to Steeler and please follow Bernadette’s advice and water it down a little. It does hold it flavor.
Lots of hugs and hope to you and your kittens.
Thank you Bernie. I can’t help but feel like I’m a bad mommy by not being able to feed my babies like they should be fed. I always feel guilty when I’m eating something healthyknowing that my babies are beingdeprived of what they should be eating. I never realized it until I started reading the posts here. I was walking around dumb, fat and happy thinking I was taking good care of them by making sure they always had fresh kibble and brand name food. I was sadly mistaken.
I went to the Fancy Feast site and looked at their flavors and the ones I thought my babies would like. Unfortunately the first ones I chose seem to have the most grain products in them. The babies love things with gravy in them so those are the ones I looked at first:
http://www.fancyfeast.com/wet-cat-food/gravy-lovers-turkey-feast-in-gravy/
Since I was given the list of what to avoid if possible, this kind will not do.
Ingrid had said the class ic one would be the best, and as usual she is right as this is the ingredients in it:
http://www.fancyfeast.com/wet-cat-food/classic-chicken-feast/
Since it is chicken they may eat it, it’s definitely worth trying. I haven’t checked the ingredients in the other classic flavors but am hoping they are similar to this one.
I so much appreciate all the advice y’all are giving me, hopefully it will lead to healthier babies.
Betty, the other thing to keep in mind is to switch them slowly. Cats are creatures of habit, and changes in the menu are often not well received. Over the last 25 years or so, we’ve several times switched the existing cats to a food that they weren’t immediately crazy about. Start by mixing in a teaspoon with what they’re currently eating, and once they’re eating well, add another teaspoon and give them less of the old food, etc.
Betty, don’t ever feel like a bad mommy when you are giving a cat the best home you possibly can. We all started out somewhere, and we learn along the way, and sometimes we have to compromise.
For years I had a cat with HCM and congestive heart failure, and the costs of his care–for a self-employed commercial artist–had me eating Oriental Noodles and dandelion greens from my back yard and my cats eating dry Wellness Salmon and Turkey and seemingly nothing else for several years. There have also been times I didn’t have a car and had to buy what was within walking distance. And some of those geriatric cats would only eat grocery store canned food in their final year because it’s really smelly, and that included plenty of Friskies and 9 lives, and of course Fancy Feast, that’s how I knew the ingredients and which ones didn’t have grains. None of those Classic varieties have grains or gravy, and along with the Chicken Feast try Turkey and Giblets. That was also a big favorite.
Like Harry said, introduce it slowly.
thank you Harry & Bernadette!
A Morgan update.
She is currently doing quite well.
The Pepside seems to be working and she is not too bad about taking it.
We have no way to accurately weigh her but she feels noticeably “bulkier” and is eating more and often demanding food.
She is 13 and the vet said she may go through some “wax and wane” periods but she is currently active and happy and we”ll take it at that for now.
Tim update;
Tim started into introductions today.
The others have seen him, heard him and observed him through glass, then through a makeshift plywood baby gate.
Introductions were low key, allowing him to venture out of his “safe” sun-room at his choice.
He has had some supervised interactions with all 3 cats, to some extent, observations so far;
Morgan, did not like being charged in an invitation to play. She also made “the noise” (a quiet, whiny growl), hissed and ran away.
Taz, hissed as much as his low energy levels will allow, nothing else, no threats or moves (these take way too much effort on his part).
Kasey, big surprise, she was curious, no hissing, growls or any threatening moves. The almost went nose to nose a couple times, too. It was almost like she was “mama cat” with her kitten. Needless to say, this was not what I expected.
Sounds like things are going really well. I’m laughing at Taz’s reaction – too funny. Kasey’s reaction is so interesting! I wonder how she will react, though, when she sees Tim interact with you.
When they were together, I was sitting on the floor.
Kasey always comes to me when I do this.
Tim came up to us about a foot from the “Warrior Queen” and to my surprise, Kasey sort of looked at him almost like he was her kitten; and she has never had kittens.
I don’t know if this is the way she will be with him, or if it is just the calm before the storm.
Tim charged Kasey this morning in a kitten type attempt to play.
She did not physically react or make a sound, and did not try to go after him.
He did stop short and ran the other way. I was behind her and couldn’t see everything, it is possible she gave him some sort of “look” that made him stop.
I am puzzled but pleased with her lack of hostility, so far.
Sounds to me like Tim could use a little playmate more his age and size. What’s another little mouth to feed? …lol
Glen I have been following the saga of Tim and the “Warrior Queen” and her staff. So far it reads as if the introductions have gone quite well. Tim sounds like a inquisitive little guy. That will help him blend in really well. Kasey, Morgan and Taz may be taking the little guy under their wing so to speak. Hope to keep hearing only good encounters with the others for him. 🙂
Ok gang, here is the update on the little ones. Liberty and Justice had their surgery yesterday, were chipped and Freedom received her last shot. All went well.
They rested most of the day on their cat tower. Well little Dajudge, who only knows one speed, and that is warp speed), wanted to play. No one would play. She kept trying finally behaving like a monkey on a vine on the cat tower trying to entice one of them to play with her. When that wasn’t working she did her workout throughout the first floor, racing and I do mean racing, jumping and twirling in the air, putting on such a display of agility unheard of. This from this little itty bitty Tortie.
So now that you know that everyone is well I am going to ask all of you to chirp in on Dajudge’s name. As many know I gave her that name off the cuff for the vet. I called her that because I didn’t know if she would blend in with the others. Needless to say, this little bundle of lightning is staying. Now here is your part.
I would like your input on her name. I am going to ask you all to help me decide her permanent name.
Here is the choices: Keep Dajudge. Rename Victory. Victory would complete the set of Freedom, Liberty and Justice. Keeping the Dajudge would set her apart and allow her to be the lighting bolt with the name of Dajudge. Which do you folks think it should be.
As someone who named all her babies on the Rocky Horror theme, I am leaning towards Victory. Although I did go off track and name Angelika. I still think Victory to go with the other four names. Plus you could call her Vicki for short, a cute feminine name.
My vote is for Victory.
I still like “For All”.
But my second choice is Victory.
That’s funny Rachel … I like your thinking. I like Victory too!
That was actually my snarky dad, LOL! But I really like Victory – Vickie for short, because Vickie is our cat’s name 🙂
Hi folks. Yep it’s me. Bernie awake at this unheard of hour. I am taking Liberty and Justice to the vet for spaying/neutering at 8:30, also chipping. Freedom goes also for her final shot.
Have you ever tried to sleep or rest when you have taken food away from 4 kits since 8PM the night before? Well, let me tell you, I counted my toes and fingers just to be sure they didn’t chew them off in the night. You can’t take food away from just 2 when there are 4. So none got to eat.
I have had some pretty good cat a walling going on here. So I am awake and trying to cope with them. I tried to separate Dajudge and Freedom so as to give them food, and realized that there were just to many kitty feet running around my ankles. So I decided to make all wait.
What a day this will be. With only a couple of hours sleep, kittens being left at the vet, and a group of workman at the house/garage. I only wish right now that there were 2 of me. But then you guys could not stand another Bernie. Frankly I would be jealous.
So all have fun today and I will check in later tonight. 🙂
Another Bernie would be nice. Then you can visit my kits while taking care of your family at home. Can’t count on Tinker. 🙂
The world could not handle another “Bernie”. One is enough. 🙂
I don’t know about that Bernie … ! The world might be a better place with more people who love cats … !
Don’t think I’ve ever seen this before but Frankie has been getting up on the headboard while Stir is at the window. Now Punky will just jump right over her but Frankie has not yet. Just now he got up and sniffed at Stir’s paw while she was sleeping. Well, Stir woke up and hissed. The she gave Frank 2 lefts to the face. Frankie jumped back and raised his paw. Stir settled back against the screen and Frankie actually tip toed passed her. Wish I had the camera ready for that.
Lots of rain now and Steeler was really talking. Penndow was cleaning out the mud that washed down my driveway from Monday mornings rain. The way it’s raining now I’m sure they’ll be back tomorrow.
Now Jay, you and I know, and so does everyone else, that Frankie is not on the top of the A chart. So, he either is getter less intelligent or he really has a death wish. Stir is not going to allow him to do that to many times before she shows him who the head cat is in your house. 🙂
Here’s a survival story that seems to have turned out well.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48542154/ns/local_news-pittsburgh_pa/t/days-later-cat-jar-head-rescued/#.UChOuJ2PVDW
Glen, I was part of that rescue, in a way since I never got out there but was part of the cheering section, and wrote a story which was published on Life With Cats on Friday. I was to travel out to meet Janine and Jar Kitty, who is now Angel, yesterday, videotape them and write an update. I still can’t believe the kitty lived through the experience and survived with no major organ damage, just a few infected cuts and infected ears!
Interesting 🙂
Being a bit claustrophobic myself, that story just made me shudder even more. I don’t want to imagine too hard what that experience was like.
How is she doing and will she still be adopted out (asked by a member of the “failed foster club” ) 😉
Glen, the whole thing made my skin crawl. And you know how hot it was!
I’m not sure what Janine is planning, that’s one of the things I wanted to establish when I went out with one or two others. I know she’s really attached to this kitty, but she keeps talking about finding her a home. She also has to find homes for about 30 more strays and ferals in the trailer park before the end of August, that’s the other reason a few of us are going, to see what help she needs.
By the way, for those who don’t know my kits. Freedom is a domestic short hair Russian Blue, (I question the domestic adjective for her), mother of Liberty, my gray tiger striped tabby, and Justice, my Tortie. My newest Tortie is Dajudge, 3 months old, and blending very nicely. Dajudge’s mother is the daughter of Freedom from another litter. She looks exactly like her mother Freedom. I have no plans to bring her in. My vet has offered to spay both her and another female that is around here that keep having kittens, whenever I can trap them. So hopefully this cycle for these ones will stop.
For those of you here at our family, I have just posted an update on my FB about my group of kits. I am reposting it here so you can all see what progress/or lack thereof has been made. Don’t laugh, I am doing the best I can. 😛
Hi folks. I thought I would just give you an update on the progress of the house of kits. As you have been able to see from their pics they are growing and healthy. The newest Tortie, Dajudge is 3 months old. Justice and Liberty are 5 months. These three are bonding very nicely. The momma of Justice and Liberty, Freedom, wants nothing to do with any of them. Just this afternoon she gave her warning sounds at Liberty to get away from me. I decided I had to do something to let her know this has to stop. So I very gently smacked her on the nose with my finger. She got pissed.
Jumped down, turned around and let me have a scorching growl. Well back to the nice kitty routine. LOL
Some good news on my end of the State.
My Mom and Brother lost their Dilute Tortie Sara a month ago. They adopted a Tortie with White similar to Tabatha. Named her Yorkie as my Mom always wanted a Yorkie dog. They have had her 1 week so far and when I saw her yesterday she did come to me to sniff and get scratches.
Later I stopped to see my son Josh and he said they are looking to get another cat (hopefully a Calico the same as their Dominique was).
Just goes to show that once you have a cat in your heart and home,it feels so empty when they leave. Even thought they can never be replaced, your life feels empty without the antics of cats and kittens running around. I will always have cats (and critters) around me as my life does not feel complete without them.
Yes.
Tortie family, this is a sad day, again, for all of us. Bernadette loves her kittens, all of them above all else.
This Tortie family has had far to many losses this year. They didn’t have to be all Torties. Everyone’s kittens on here are all our kittens. So, again, we mourn with our dear friend, Bernadette.
Thanks, Bernie.
I just have to relate one story that tortie people will understand. You know that Cookie was always friendly and confident, and Kelly always a little timid. As the two grew older, long before the black cats came along, Cookie would sleep on the bed upstairs, but it took Kelly a few years to feel okay about that. She felt really vulnerable on top of the bed in the middle of the room. In time, after much jumping up on the bed then over onto the dresser or something where she was more protected, much to Cookie’s consternation about all the bouncing of the bed, Kelly felt okay on the bed and would curl up happily purring.
At the same time, she started reacting to me by talking to me when I walked in the room, then, to show how completely happy she was, she would roll herself into an ever-tighter ball, hugging her legs into her belly and turning her head upside down and talking and purring.
I started just by holding my hand near her, then touching her with one hand, then two, then actually petting her; this took most of a year. Cookie couldn’t figure out her problem and would walk over to me saying, “Just pet me, isn’t that easier?”
Once I dared to actually pick Kelly up for just a few seconds when she was in her ball shape, “Oh Kelly Kelly Kelly you’re so cute you’re so sweet what a little Kelly kiss kiss kiss”, then I put her down.
Cookie looked like she’d puke. I just loved her expressions!
I can just picture Cookie making an expression, just as you said and did that. Yuk comes to mind.
All these years later, I’m still laughing about it.
It strikes me as a testament to the love and trust Kelly felt for you that her final morning with you was spent in that same bed she was so hesitant above when she first came to you. I have a feeling Cookie was smiling this time around.
Ingrid, I’m so glad she stayed with me overnight and morning, and wanted more. And really, that place of honor, on me, had been Cookie’s for years until just a few months ago. I think Cookie may have had something to do with it.
Thanks, everyone, and Ingrid thanks for posting the link.
Even though she’s gone with Deb Chebatoris (Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation), I still think she’s upstairs.
I hope you’ll still let me in, even without a tortie! I’ll just crash the party.
Bernadette you will always have Torties in your heart. You could never crash any party. We love you.
You are Family. Always welcome with your knowledge of cats and fantastic art.
You have the love of Torties in you and you are always welcome and expected to join in.
What he said. Bernadette, my heart aches for you. It has truly been a hard year. Perhaps I can balance it with a little good news. First, Sabrina got a good report on her latest labs. Her values are back in the normal range, so the B-12 shots must be doing their thing. She scared me a bit yesterday, barfing up a furball, but she then went right back to eat. I’m glad that I disregarded our vet’s recommendation on food to feed her – more of the alphabet soup of dry foods, HA or HF or something like that, for Irritable Bowel Syndrome – and went with Ingrid’s recommendation to keep feeding a high quality, high protein, grain-free canned. The dry food got too much protein from glutens, which makes absolutely no sense.
Next bit of good news – about 2 months ago, I begged our intake coordinator to take in a litter of 4 week old kittens (and their mom), because one of them was a tortie with paws dipped in white, who was all ear hair and whiskers. I think she’ll be a long hair, possibly a Maine Coon mix, but she was utterly adorable with all her ear hairs and whiskers 4 inches wider than her body. We named her Rayzen, because she loved to lie in the sun streaming through windows, and her foster kept telling her she was going to shrivel up like a raisin.
Last week she was spayed, along with her litter, and Friday night she attended her first adoption event. I was a little saddened, because I knew she would go immediately, with her unbearable cuteness, and I figured I’d never see her again. She did get adopted essentially the moment she arrived at the event… by one of our volunteers, who happens to be a neighbor down the street. So, we will not be losing track of little Rayzen after all 🙂 I will try to get a photo of her up on the CC facebook page.
I’m so glad to hear Sabrina is doing so well, and also glad you ignored your vet’s diet advice. I know it’s not easy to go against the advice of a vet you trust in everything else, but when it comes to nutrition, sadly, most vets just don’t look past what they were taught in school – by reps from the major petfood manufacturers.
Good to hear good news on Sabrina.
And although you did not adopt Rayzen, you get her as a neighbor and that is almost as good. Keep us informed on how she grows up and her personality.
Great news on Sabrina–I’ve never used the diet recommendations of any vet! That must be a load off your shoulders with all that’s been happening in your household this year.
And as for that kitten…sometimes putting that energy out for them helps them to be noticed. Of course, I don’t think Rayzen really needed the help. I find white paws and lots of hair hard to resist.
Hi, folks. I have no torties anymore. I lost my Kelly this morning. It’s on my blog and my FB page. I know I haven’t been commenting much, in part because I’ve been trying to observe her and figure out what was up, but you’ll probably hear from me.
Thanks to Ingrid for a long-distance reiki session to help Kelly transition, though we didn’t really know that wasn’t necessarily what would happen.
I’m so sorry Bernadette. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Just know that she is at peace now and whatever her issues were, they are all gone now and she is happy and free. I’m sure Steeler has already let her know who is boss at the bridge, but that doesn’t mean she’ll accept not being the queen tortie.
Unfortunately I don’t know where your FB page is, or your website.
Please take care. We have lost too many lately 🙁
I am very sorry to read about your loss, I find we are never really prepared for these things.
It was such an honor to be able to help Kelly transition, even though I certainly didn’t expect that that’s what would happen. My heart aches for you, Bernadette.
Betty is right, we have lost too many lately. Here’s the link to Bernadette”s beautiful tribute to Kelly: http://thecreativecat.net/whereer-you-walk/
Thank you for the link Ingrid, I am still recovering from the beautiful tale Bernadette wrote. Along with the pictures and sketches of her beautiful furry baby.
I am having a hard time handling it, so I don’t know how Bernadette can do it. My hrat and my thoughts go out to her.
I just heard the news. So sorry to hear this. Can’t believe the 2 special ones of yours have crossed the bridge. We have lost way to many in the last year. Many prayers to you and your little ones.
Bernadette, I cant’ believe what I have just read. Kelly, beautiful talkative little Kelly. I don’t know what to say. I know there isn’t anything I can say, but my heart is aching for Kelly and you. I wish I could write more but this is just to close to losing Steeler. Having met and spent time with Kelly after Steeler was such an honor and pleasure for me. I will never forget her beautiful look and her talkative manner with me. Lots of hugs Bernadette.
Berndatette, I am so sorry to hear about Kelly. This has been such a tough few months for so many of us on CC. I hope you know we understand what you are going through. I’m glad you have the Fantastic Four (Five/Mimi) to comfort you. Sending love and hugs <3
Bernie, if the truth be known I need the exercise much more than my mother (Gracie sounds like 1 herd of elephants coming down the hall, I sound like 100!). Apparently Gracie has been playing this morning (which means Mum has too!).
So, let me tell y’all about my USELESS heathens! Monday morning, they started waking me up at 4 AM……starting with Monkey’s cold nose touching mine….I opened my eyes to that crazy looking face. I shood her, and Shanks immediately hopped up, running up and down my body with light tiny kitty feet. I got rid of Shanks, turned over, and here was peaches with her face right up in mine. I turned back over …the alarm finally went off so I hit snooze…Monkey bit my friggin’ ear!!!! I was getting nervous. I was all….what? Is the house on fire? Did Timmy fall down the well? WTH!!!??? Turns out nothing was wrong.
But, I ask you all….WHERE were they yesterday when I was oversleeping?? In perfect peace. I woke up at 5:50…..I need to be downstairs on the sidewalk waiting for my carpool at 6 AM
Why do we love these useless creatures? LOL
And yes, I HAVE told all three of them they are useless. But THEY DIDN’T SEEM TO CARE AT ALL LOL
Ack! Sorry, capslock issue
Tag teaming the human – think of all the strategy sessions they must have had while you were at work!
LMAO…true story, that well choreoghaphed scene MUST have taken a TON of planning! lol
Well we have all joked around about our little ones sending emails. I was trying to respond to Jay just a bit ago when Liberty decided to take over the laptop. The following is what Jay will see when he arrives home after a hard day at work. He will think I must have had a really hard day. Enjoy the laugh.
B.T. Tracy
To [email protected]
From: B.T. Tracy ([email protected])
Sent: Tue 8/07/12 11:54 PM
To: [email protected]
luvrffffffffffffffft
b
Berniefvvvvvvvvvv
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvy took over my laptop
Libert
Miss Gracie is off to the vet this morning. She was in her litter tray twice last night to pee and then this morning she was in there again and there’s blood in her urine. My mother will take her to the vet within the next hour. Hopefully this is something that a course of antibiotics will fix. She seems fine in every other way – has a good appetite, still wants to play and is desperate to go outside. Fingers crossed for a quick recovery.
Keeping my fingers crossed that it is a simple infection and that anti biotics will be the remedy. The fact she is playful and not lethargic sounds like a good sign to me.
Keep us informed please!!
Sending good wishes for a quick recovery to little Gracie – the fact that she’s eating and playful is a very good sign!
Sounds like you caught little Gracie’s illness very fast. Good mommy. Here’s wishing her a lots of kitty purrs and hugs to get well quickly.
Hi … pleased to report that my mother and Gracie have returned from the vet. He has diagnosed a lower urinary tract infection – she has had a shot of antibiotics that will last 10 days (Ingrid, I know you have reservations about this treatment) but I am honestly just so relieved that it’s not more serious. Gracie is terrible when it comes to medication – when she was a kitten she had the flu and had to have a lot of medicine then. She was good about taking drugs then, but it’s a different story now. The vet has recommended that we give her Hills Science Diet prescription food for this – first of all he said “for a little while”, then he said it would probably be good if she had it all the time, as these things can recur. She’s not to have any canned food anymore if we can avoid it. Mum has opened the new bag and Gracie has sampled the food and finds it to her liking, LOL. I’m wondering if in the long term we can give her the a mixture of Science Diet food, but will be guided by the Vet and you more knowledgeable people on that front!
Hey Yea for Gracie. Now she will get better quickly and the worry will stop. Good for you for catching the changes in her litter box usage. That alone helped greatly for her and you. Tell your mum, she is a really good mum to take your kitten to the vet for you. 🙂
Poor Mum didn’t really have a choice. It was like “YOU WILL TAKE HER TO THE VET” … !!! Mum was just as concerned as I was … she and Gracie are great playmates. It’s funny to see my almost 70 year old mother running around playing chasie with Gracie … the two of them thunder around the house with Mum yelling boo as Gracie thunders past like a herd of elephants. I figure they are keeping each other young. I am very very relieved. When I saw the blood this morning my heart almost stopped and my stomach did flip-flops. Still, all good, so that’s the main thing. I so appreciate the support on this site from everyone. You guys are the best.
I hope Gracie will feel better very soon, Margaret.
I completely disagree with your vet on his diet recommendation. I don’t like any of the prescription diets (or the non-prescription Science Diet for that matter) – they contain by-products, grains, and other ingredients that don’t belong in the diet of an obligate carnivore. But what I have an even bigger issue with is the recommendation that you should avoid canned food. That makes absolutely no sense. Studies have shown that dry food is one of the contributors to urinary tract problems in cats. Cats need moisture in their diets – and they need that especially when they are prone to urinary tract problems.
I urge you to educate yourself about this issue. One outstanding resource is Dr. Lisa Pierson’s site, here’s the direct link to her page on feline urinary tract health: http://catinfo.org/?link=urinarytracthealth
I’ll be happy to answer additional questions.
Ingrid, thank you SO much for that info. I was a little puzzled when told that Gracie shouldn’t have wet food but, like so many people, I figured the vet knew his stuff. Clearly the best thing is for Gracie to continue to have wet food. I have just called my Mother to pass on all this info and the info from the site you posted the link to. I cannot thank you enough! Fortunately Gracie loves her wet food (she probably has a ratio of 50/50 when it comes to dry and wet food) but I will be cutting down her dry food over a period so that she doesn’t feel too badly done by. Fortunately she is also good when it comes to drinking water (preferably warm out of the shower!). I will monitor her closely over the next few days. She has to go back to the vet for a follow up in 10 days (it will be a locum, so it will be interesting to get his take on things). Thank you again Ingrid – I always feel reassured when getting and reading advice on this site.
Really, I don’t get this vet! Don’t they read blogs and learn these things?! Seriously, every study shows that more liquid in the diet is one of the best therapies for any urinary problem, and veterinarians may not study too much nutrition but urinary tract health is one of the things they cover. It’s just common sense. Margaret, I’m glad you’re on this blog too!
And it sounds as if everyone is using the long-acting antibiotics now too.
Unfortunately, Convenia is widely used, and far too many vets are either unaware of the severe side effects it can cause in cats, or they write the incidences off as “anecdotal evidence.” Granted, the drug has been safely used in thousands of animals, but with the potential for such severe reactions, and no way to stop the drug since it’s already in the system, I simply don’t understand why vets don’t at least inform clients of the risk.
I am so glad that Gracie is on the mend and that you caught her condition early enough that it can be corrected with antibiotics!!
Such a good mommy.
When I got home last night Gracie was a little subdued, but not terribly unhappy. She is still eating and drinking well but didn’t want to play. I mixed her normal wet food with some water and she ate that quite eagerly so I think I will be using this practice going forward. She came to bed with me last night and woke me at 3am for cuddles and then bit me. She must be on the mend.
Thanks everyone for all the support and info yesterday – when I got home I told my Mother I would trust Ingrid and Bernadette with Gracie’s life … such good info and the article that Ingrid sent me the link to was a real eye-opener. It’s a shame vets don’t seem to be very well educated with these sorts of issues.
Adding more water to canned food is a great way to get cats to get more water, Margaret. It sounds like Gracie is feeling better if she bit you after her 3am cuddles – that’s tortitude for you! I’m glad Dr. Pierson’s article helped clarify things.
Awe Margaret that was a love bite, maybe to eagerly.LOL I am happy to hear good news on Gracie. The worry is immense when it comes to our little ones. On this site everyone’s little ones are also our little ones.
Keep getting better Gracie. Mum needs the exercise (sorry Mum) but Margaret said that the other day on here. 🙂
Now to keep you all straight. This is the list of kittens for me.
I now have Freedom, Liberty, Justice and now here comes Dajudge.
My vet has agreed to spay the 2 females that keep having these kittens for me at a very minimal cost.
So I will be stopping this constant kitty litters here and hopefully stop this for a while.
Bernie, I’m sorry you had to experience the losses of the other kittens. It’s always a little haunting.
What are you going to do with the moms? So those two moms do not include Freedom? I think you add up to six right now, no matter what you are thinking. Good luck with them all. You’ve definitely passed the stray cat test! With tortie colors!
Bernadette, not six. no way The other 2 I will have spayed and put outside. I feed them everyday as it is. I can’t have anymore in the house. I hope I can stick to that. I might try to find homes for them. They are very pretty. Freedom is not one of the moms. Altho one of the other moms is exactly the color of Freedom, probably one of her litters.
I could never, ever be a foster parent.
Bernie!!!! Totally crazy that you went from “Not a cat person” to ” that Lady with a ton of cats!!!” I’m loving it! But that’s how torties are, they’ll just turn you into the neigborhood cat lady! <3
Hey now, I don’t live in a neighborhood. But I think these cats talk to much. I will ask them to call your 3/4 ton kittens and have them give you another early wakeup call.
I can’t imagine all three ganging up like that, but then again, they were probably planning the sneak attack for quite some time.
I love your stories.
What can I say, I was a push over for them. LOL
Good to see you back here. Miss you.
Hey family. I did it again. I have held back waiting for the right time and to be sure she was going to survive. I have rescued a litte Tortie, the only survivor of the litter. She is about 8wks and weighs 2.5#.
I had a time deciding what to name her and the vet said we need a name, we just can’t call her Jane Doe, or no name.
So giving some quick thought, I have picked her name.
Folks go to my FB page or Ingrid’s FB and meet my new Tortie, Dajudge. 🙂
Congratulations on your new baby, Bernie! She’s totally adorable. Here’s the link to the picture Bernie put up: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=486377158040165&id=1484956987¬if_t=wall
I’m thinking Steeler has quite the sense of humor, sending you all these kittens… 🙂
Congrats Bernie. 1 more to catch up to me. You are tied with Glen now.
She is a cutie.
I cannot think of a better person to be tied up with when it comes to kittens. You are at 5, I want to stay at 4. Justice and Dajudge look identical. 🙂
I kept her a secret from all until I knew she was going to make it. She is thriving now.
The others act all put out. Imagine that. 3 other rescues feeling put upon, by a little tiny rescued kitten just like them. They learn quickly.
Steeler must really have a sense of something. Now as soon as I can trap the moms this will end.
Little torties have to come to an end here. I’m all filled up. 🙂
I saw your facebook comment before I read your post here and she is a real beauty Bernie!!
Steeler and Eric knew what they were doing when they had the kitten run out of the shrubs so you could see her.
She has found the best forever home she could ever hope for.
Betty, I may have to remove all the shrubbery. I am all filled up with kittens. I gave the Dajudge her bath today. That is why she looks a little ruffled. I wanted to be sure she was free of all fleas before allowing her into the group. She is and now I don’t know where Dajudge is hiding.
I think Justice, my other Tortie, smelled trouble. So this afternoon, she started snuggling and rubbing my hand wanted to be petted. This is the first time. Who said cats were dumb. She is smart enough to know if she wants to be cuddled before Dajudge she better get her act together.
Dajudge already is a little bundle of cuddles. Hope she doesn’t change. 🙂
If it isn’t prying, how did you come about her name? What her name reminds me of is the old laugh-in tv series and their routing of “her comes da judge”….lol
Betty I was at the vet with her and my vet asked for her name. Hadn’t even decided if I would keep her, but then he said the names of my other 3. Liberty, Justice and Freedom and I just said well “here come dajudge” . So you are right. It fit right in there. She is Dajudge. I am keeping her. She looked at me with those little eyes as if to say I need you and well she will now have a forever home. The rest of her litter didn’t survive. She was a loner. 🙂
Nice looking little tortie 🙂
Glen, Thanks. She is now, isn’t she. I am up with you on the cat #’s. Jay gave a rundown of on that one. 🙂