Amy's Reading with Nancy

[Laura's Babies]

Nancy surprised me by calling tonight and doing Amy's reading.. My main #1 question was if she is in any pain. It is so heartbreaking, she is. She aches all over, everything but her head and chest, stiff, not limber, feels unstretched, hard to get up, cold and damp, ache, ache, ache. Nancy thought she was a 17 year old cat and was stunned to find out she is only 4. She has nothing to compare this to since she has never read a CH kitty, had never even heard of it and looked it up while I was on the phone with her to see what exactly it was. She said she thinks acupuncture would help but I haven't heard of any here where we live but will ask my vet. She asked if CH kitties have a nromal life span and she was upset to hear they do, she said she hates to think she will suffer like that for another 12 years..

I also asked if she was in pain, what meds would help. She reccomended I try Glucosamine since it feels like arthritis to her. She couldn't understand if it is neroulogical, why the bones hurt and were so stiff, she said Amy described it to her and it sounded like what the arthritic cats she has read had described. She said Amy don't need strong drugs but something more natural.

She likes the fake lambs wool type stuff I covered her pad with and put in the cage, it feels soft and warm. Nancy said she feels like the pee'd on blankets and stuff I put down for her are all accidents, either loosing controll or just can't get up. The pads I put down for her that I get at Sam's club, Amy feels it is un-natural to use to bathroom on, they feel soft and warm like her beds and she feels like she is soiling her bed.

We got back to Boo and she didn't remember that reading until I said she was Mama's cat and it all came back to her... LOL! She asked what was the rocking chair... I told her I have Mama's glider rocker that Boo likes to lay in a lot and it ALL came to her then. She said Boo feels a lot better now, all she wanted was to be heard and have someone understand what she had been through and now that I have, she is fine and will come around and change towards me.. I told her she already has and it is WONDERFUL!!

I asked her what was Amy's take on Boo because Boo seemed to accept her first and allowed Amy to sleep on our bed before anyone else... BUT, she will hiss and slap at Boo if she walks to close to her. (She said Amy is afraid of anyone/anything getting near her because of how she aches and don't want anynody hurting her accidently.) She said Amy is so innocent, not like retared or slow but sheltered innocence. Boo doesn't concern her except for accidently stepping on her or falling on her. Boo don't scare her any except for that.

She will call again in a few day for the follow up. I am suppose to talk to the vet and see if they make the Glucosamine for cats and get some for her.

Anyone know if they have that Glucosamine for cats and how much you give them?

[RedHedd]

PetMeds.com has Glucosamine for kitties - as does Petco, Drs. Foster & Smith, etc. Poor Amy! Sounds painful. I just love Nancy!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Thanks for sharing her reading with us.:) Hopefully the glucosamine will help Amy. I agree that acupunture or even a chiropracter would be able to help her feel better too. Starr's been receiving acupunture treatments and they've helped him a lot. Here's a website where you can find holistic vets in your area: Holistic Vet Search (http://www.holisticvetlist.com/). Good luck.:)

[jennielynn1970]

I wonder if massage would help her as well? The one cat that I fostered had arthritis in his shoulders and back area from a car injury, and the woman who adopted him was a massage therapist and physical therapist for people, and she started doing massage therapy on Charlie. The last update I had is that he is doing really well and was not so stiff.

Sweet Amy... I hope that the glucosamine and some other things will make you feel better! You are such a sweet little thing, and I know everyone hatest to think that you are in any pain. Gentle hugs and pets to you, sweetie.

[Lizzie]

I'm really sorry to hear that Amy is in pain, I know you have always worried about her when the weather changes. I worry that my Miss Zoomalot hurts because of the number of times she will slam into a wall as she races around and something startles her.

You can get Cosequin very easily which is made for horses, dogs and cats. I have some from the shelter for my elderly fosters.

You might want to try TTouch which is a type of animal massage, mainly for stress management and the like but also used for arthritis. I heard about it through Best Friends. This site gives you information about t-touch books so you can learn to do it yourself:
http://www.ttouch.com/productsBooks.shtml

[Medusa]

My Creamsicle is a vestibular hypoplasia baby, which means that her coordination, etc. are quite similar to CH, except that she lost her hearing as a result. She isn't as spastic as she used to be, that's for sure, and her coordination is much improved. I can certainly understand why she would ache, especially from falling down. And when she falls, she falls hard because of her lack of coordination and she rarely falls on her feet, usually on her side or back. :(

Years ago, I taught exercise and aerobic classes and a woman would bring her daughter who had cerebral palsy who would sit on the sidelines and just watch. One day, w/her mother's permission and hers, of course, I asked her to join the class. She was happy to be a part of it but she was so spastic that she kept falling over onto the women on either side of her. So I asked her to join me in teaching the class. She stood beside me and fell over on me more times than I could count. BUT, after a while, she became less spastic and eventually could do the exercises w/out falling over at all. After some time, her mother came to me and said "This class was the best thing in the world for her. She can move so much more easily now and she isn't in as much pain."

The reason I mention this is that I've made a point of seeing to it that Creamsicle gets plenty of exercise, not just the usual running around that cats do, but chasing the Cat Dancer, etc. I feel that, as a result, she's so much less spastic, doesn't fall as much and thus, isn't as sore. Is it possible for you to increase the amount of exercise that Amy gets? Start out slowly and build from there maybe. I'm just askin'...... :)

[emily_the_spoiled]

They make a glucosamine cat treat (Hip Action). It has a chicken flavour to it and I use it with one of my foster's that is 15 yo with arthritis and it really does help. You can get this online at Amazon.com or at some of the pet stores.

[Freedom]

I continue to be amazed at what we can learn from Nancy and from each other about our pets. Sweet Amy, so many folks thinking of you!

I know you travel and this may not be practical, but what about a heating pad or hot water bottle in her bed? Not sure if she should have dry heat or moist.

In September I went to an open house at a pet rehab center locally. They offer water therapy on a treadmill, physical therapy and such. They had a pet massage person on had to give free massages, I think it was 5 minutes? I had Sugar and Lacey with me. Well, Sugar just enjoyed it SO much, it relaxed her (she doesn't really like crowds and the open house was popular) and lasted several hours after we returned home. So maybe you can give her some gentle rubs yourself. (Lacey just considered it her due to have all the wonderful petting, lol.)

[Laura's Babies]

Nancy said the pain she feels is not sudden sharp pain as in falling over because when she falls, sometimes, it is very hard and I thought that might have been was she was referring to. It is all over acheing like a person would have with arthritis all over their body.

I did a acupuncture search in the place you posted krazyaboutkatz, didn't find one anywhere near us. I checked out the TTouch you posted Lizzie, that is worth looking into. I may just order one of those books and give that a try. What exactly is the Cosequin for and what is it? (anti inflamantory? Pain med?)

Medusa, I have found that doing any kind of therapy that invloves moveing her joints only make them stiffer and harder for her to get around for 3 to 4 days. At one time I thought working them would make them more flexable and tried it only to discover it made her worse. Every new vet that would see her, the first thing they would do is to work her back legs looking for range of motion and signs of pain. That would leave her about crippled completely for those next days, that I no longer allow them to do that anymore.

I am so outdone that she is in so much pain, it rips my heart right out of me to know that now. It is so damp and cold here (colder than we are use to in the deep south) that she is having a awful time getting around and she just looks so miserable in her eyes. That is why I suspected she was in pain, especially in the winter months, because of the miserable look in her eyes and the difficulty she has in getting around. After the reading, I sent Nancy Amy's You Tube video's so she could see how this CH effects her and maybe she could get a better understanding of it.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Cosaquin is the brand name of glucosamine.

I am so sorry that Amy is having such problems. Would it help her to wear a sweater or a jacket to help keep her warm?

[catmandu]

WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT AMY IS IN PAIN, AND WE PRAY THAT HER WHITE COATS AND MEEOWMIE WILL BE ABLE TO HELP HER.
OUR PET ANGELS WILL BRING THE WARMTH FROM THE HAWAIIN BEACHES AND SEE IF THAT HELPS EASE AMYS PAIN.
:) :rolleyes: :cool: :p ;) :D

[kuhio98]

Laura ~ I'm in tears thinking of Amy being in pain.

Cammie has arthritis and has minor pain. But, she's around 14 or so.
A snuggle safe really, really helps her. I nuke it and put it under a towel for her at night and she sleeps on it and seems to be a lot less stiff in the morning. Then I nuke it again, so she can sleep on it anytime during the day. It stays warm for 8 to 10 hours. It might help Amy on the cold days.

http://www.snugglesafe.ca/index.htm

[Russian Blue]

Laura, I'm so sorry for Amy! To be this young and in pain is so horrible.

The first thing I thought after reading your post was to try glucosamine, but always check with your vet first! Also, adding some type of warming device like kuhio98 mentioned below would probably also help.

If you want to read more on glucosamine and alternative care check this site:
Pet Arthritis Center (http://www.glucosamine-arthritis.org/arthritis-pets/)

[Lizzie]

Laura ~ I'm in tears thinking of Amy being in pain.

Cammie has arthritis and has minor pain. But, she's around 14 or so.
A snuggle safe really, really helps her. I nuke it and put it under a towel for her at night and she sleeps on it and seems to be a lot less stiff in the morning. Then I nuke it again, so she can sleep on it anytime during the day. It stays warm for 8 to 10 hours. It might help Amy on the cold days.

http://www.snugglesafe.ca/index.htm

Lisa - can it be warmed in the oven (I don't have a microwave oven), the sites I've visited don't say? It would be great for Ginger who is well on her way to turning 22 and who sits so close to the heat vent, I'm afraid she is going to burn herself without realizing it.

Laura - can it be that Amy has more than one medical problem and the pain is coming from another disorder?

[Laura's Babies]

Russian Blue, is that sight for humans or animals supplements?

[Russian Blue]

I think that's human supplements, that's why I said check with your vet first. I only noted the site for additional info. Glucosamine is used for both human and pet but just at different dosage rates.

Here's another site with more specific info:
Click Here (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1397&articleid=669)

[gini]

Laura, I feel your pain for Amy! It hurts us just as much when they aren't feeling well.

Nancy is just the best.

I hope some of the suggestions that have been offered will help Amy.

[Russian Blue]

Laura, have you found this site before? It's members all have cats with CH. They might be able to offer better advice.

CH Kitty Club (http://www.chkittyclub.com/pages/home.html)

[kuhio98]

Lisa - can it be warmed in the oven (I don't have a microwave oven), the sites I've visited don't say? It would be great for Ginger who is well on her way to turning 22 and who sits so close to the heat vent, I'm afraid she is going to burn herself without realizing it.No. :( It cannot be put in a regular oven. It is like a big, double-sided plastic frisbee. It will melt in an oven.

[Kater]

She will call again in a few day for the follow up. I am suppose to talk to the vet and see if they make the Glucosamine for cats and get some for her.

Anyone know if they have that Glucosamine for cats and how much you give them?

I highly recommend this product: http://www.hyaflex.com/productinfo.htm . The dose for cats is about 1/4 of a dropperful daily (check with your vet). So although this product may be a little pricey, it should last you 4 months at that dose. Our clients often give it in tuna water or wet food. It has no taste. You may also want to try MSM (powdered form).

My thoughts are with little Amy.

[Laura's Babies]

I went down and talked to Dr. Gott. He has a friend that has a CH kitty and is always asking about Amy, trying to gather information from me that can help his friend I guess. That other cat is a lot worse than Amy. We talked for a long time and he gave me a bottle of Cosequin for her. Reading the lable, it sounds exactly what Nancy reccomended, not a whole lot of other ingredients in it. I told him someone suggested I put her on it a long time ago and I never did... He told me maybe I better listen to my friends from now on. :D I will start her on it when treats are passed out at night... Hummmm, since Nancy said Boo has arthrisis in her hips that bother her, maybe I will put her on it too! I got 90 of them so why not?!

Russian Blue, I visit the CH kitty club frequently but seldom post. I haven't read any posts where they were giving their CH kitties anything for something like this.

[phesina]

Dear Laura, I am so saddened to learn about Amy's suffering. I hope the Cosequin will give her some relief, and I hope that we all can come up with some other ideas, too.

We use the SnuggleSafe warmers at our shelter, putting them in the bedding of cats that can use a little warmth and coziness to ease their aches and pains. The cats love them.

Elmer sends extra-special love to his beloved mentor Amy, and all of us send purrs and gentle pets and loving, warming, healing energies.

Pat, Elmer, Poppy, Sydney, Peony, and Priscilla Angel

[koxka]

I, always, read your threads and Amy has stolen my heart. I didn't know she was in pain. :( .
As you leave home to work any other month, maybe a self thermal bed could be a solution. No wires, no need to heat. It may be not so warm as the electric heated beds are but is safer.

Self thermal bed for arthritic pets (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3261+1955+8982&pcatid=8982)

[koxka]

Here is another link from amazonSelf thermal bed_2 (http://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Right-Self-Warming-Thermal-Cushion-19/dp/B000RI3KO8/ref=pd_sim_k_img_1)

[Donnaj4962]

Laura, I am so sorry to hear that Amy is in pain. I hope the glucosamine helps. I take it for my joints and it works well! Gentle hugs to Amy!

[Catty1]

Laura - another product that is pretty 'clean' - as in not a lot of ingredients - is Omega 3 - 6 oil.

Because my two cats are, ahem, LARGER (even if not overweight, they are bigger cats, seriously) - I asked my vet about Omega oil, especially for the winter here so their fur and skin stays ok.

The stuff for cats is in capsules...but it is in a pump form for dogs. One pump's worth does a large dog.

So, I mix up the boys' wet prescription food in the morning, SHAKE the oil and add about one pump, and also mix in a bit of 'junky' wet food to give it flavour.

It sure got Oscar bouncing around! LOL

This oil is supposed to help joints as well, and is not too pricey at all. As long as you have the right dose, even hoomin Omega 3-6 might be good!

I hope Amy feels better soon! :)

[Laura's Babies]

I just want all of you to know I am reading every post and jotting down all the things everyone is suggesting. I have got to do anything and everything I can to help her and I will do my very best for her! She is my heart! ♥

[AlleyCat]

Oh, poor Amy is so sweet. I always read your threads about her. Even though she may not be entirely comfortable physically, she knows how much you love her !! :)

[Scooter's Mom]

I lucked out and got one of the self-heating thermal type beds on clearance somewhere many months ago for $4.50 (only one they had) and put it up for Scooter Bug's Christmas gift. He lays on it ALL the time. If I had known he'd have enjoyed it that much I'd have never kept it from him for half a year! It's a little noisy because of whatever is inside, but my boy is sure happy with it.

Good luck with whatever you give to Amy. I hope it helps!