Grasshopper's Sick

[kohala]

Any prayers for recovered health and a little more longevity will be much appreciated by all of us, Grasshopper, me and Dadcat. She's a sick kitty, who is sadly going to lose one half to two thirds of her tail fairly soon. There is a cyst that has started growing out of control, as large as a medium sized human thumb tip, now - so the tail will have to be taken off leaving 4 - 6 inches of tail left. We found her health isn't up to surgery - so she's being treated, I'll post more at home. Just had to get this off my chest.
Sorry for not being on line so much lately, too much going on. So glad to know we're all here for each other - more later - Ko

[HayleyRosie]

Grasshopper will be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted.

[Vermontcat]

Awww, poor Grasshopper!:(
Samantha and I are thinking of you and sending prayers your way!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Hi, God ~

We need a lil Help down here...
Seemz Miz Grasshopper got a ucckie on her Tail;
but she's feelin so poorly da White Coat can't fix her up yet.

Kuld You Help her get to feelin better -
reel quick-like?

Thanks, God!

/s/ the Prayer Pups

[jenluckenbach]

Best wishes and prayers for Grasshopper. I am not so much worried about the tail amputation as I am the fact that she is not healthy enough for surgery. My (RB) Amanda had her tail amputated and lived a wonderful life. And she actually looked cuter, if that is possible. I sure hope Grasshopper can become well enough to have the surgery, we need her around for a long time yet.{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[PayItForward]

Thinking of you both. May Grasshopper get well soon (great name !!!)

[ChrisH]

Poor baby :( Grasshopper, and you and Dadcat too, will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

Best wishes for a very speedy recovery, Grasshopper!

[K & L]

Good luck to all of you!

[slick]

Prayers on the way little Grasshopper!

[Nomilynn]

You are in my prayers

[Miss Meow]

Oh no, Koala, that's awful news about Grasshopper's health. I'll be crossing all paws and wishing for her good health. Please keep us updated.

[Uabassoon]

I'm sorry to hear about Grasshopper, we have fingers and paws crossed for a quick recovery.

[allanimalswelcome]

I sure hope he gets better. I'll keep you all in my prayers.

~Rachel

[Steffi N]

I am sorry to hear about poor Grasshopper. I hope that she becomes well enough for the surgery soon and that all goes well.

[kohala]

I got the meds for her this afternoon, and the liquid antibiotic is a great way to go. She didn't appreciate it too much, but it was down her throat and followed up by a nice treat of Beechnut chicken baby food, so she didn't seem to mind too much. She's awfully thin, but she has been having problems throwing up, not just hairballs, but a lot of liquid as well. I am hoping that the antibiotics and the quarter tabs of pepcid the vet prescribed will get her in better shape. Right now she's down to 9.9 lbs, where she really needs to be a couple pounds heavier.
For those who don't know my baby, here's her birthday honororium :cool: http://catoftheday.com/archive/2002/August/14.html
Not a great pic, as it's a scan of a portrait - yes, I love this old girl that much! Thanks for the encouragement, Jen! I think she'll be happy not to have that large and rather ugly tumor off her tail, and I look forward to a little pretty tail - hey, we all need a change as we age! Of course, the "estimate from the body shop" (as Dadcat the car guy called it) was a little beyond budget (over $700.00!!) but it has to be done. (Dadcats the one that, whenever he sees another tuxie that looks like Grasshopper, always says, "Hey, a parts cat!")
I had no experience in this before, and haven't checked this area for other people's experiences with these tail problems. If you want info from my vet about tails, let me know - I learned a great deal yesterday and today from her. And if anyone knows of a previous thread about tail problems, please let me know!
Thanks for the loving thoughts and the prayers - Cinder & Smoke, I gave her a special noserub from you guys, and here's one back!; as Jen said, I too am more worried about her health not being up to surgery than I am about the surgery or the loss of a few inches of tail. She'll be 17 in August, and I hope she lives to be 20+ - I want her to see Idaho with us before she crosses the Rainbow Bridge!
I love you guys! Grasshopper and Ko

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

Poor Grasshopper...
Prayers are on the way.....:(

Now Grasshopper .... you be a good little kitty.... and take all your medicine.... *HUGS* and *KISSES* are on the way...

[batgirl1980]

Hewwo.
Diz is Mozart.. I id speekeen fur all of us at me houz..
we r so sowwee grasshopper dat you id sick. we id
pwaying u get beddur soon, and dat ur surgery will go
well. We kno u hate ur medicun, but be stwong, and take
it so dat u can liv a long life wif ur meowmie.

Ur buddiez...
Mozart, Bach, and Eliza

PS.. Our meowmie sends prayers, hugs and kissez too!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kohala, I'm so sorry to hear about Grasshopper. :( Prayers and positive thoughts are on the way. I sure hope she'll become healthy enough for the surgery that she needs. Please take care. {{{HUGS}}}

[gini]

Kohala, I just emailed you.......and then came to this thread.

Now you already have a direct line opened up to God by Cinder and Smoke........and you know how those guys are.......they know exactly how to ask God for what Grasshopper needs.

You can count on my prayers as well.

Hugs from Rascal and Gini

[zippy-kat]

Dearest Grasshopper,

You struck my eye the moment I saw your mom's avatar! So much so that I just had to PM her about your beauty (as if she didn't already know! lol).

Many prayers are on the way from me & my furkids for your speedy recovery. Lots of love little one... we're thinking about you.

Ko- My sincerest well wishes are bein' sent your way. {{huggs}}

[tatsxxx11]

Dear, precious Grasshopper, everyone here will be thinking postive thoughts and praying for you, sweetheart.:) My heart broke when I read your Mommy's post.:( I know it's no fun, but if you take your meds. and put on a pound or two, I know you'll sai through that surgery! We need you strong and healthy for your birthday in August, Grasshopper!:) Love and hugs to Grasshopper and Ko...Sandra, Mr. B and Oliver

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Sending prayers and positive thoughts for a quick recovery, dear Grasshopper

[Barbara]

Dear Grasshopper, all fingers and paws around here are crossed and we hope you'll soon be fine enough to loose that ugly bump at your tail. A small but elegant tail is very fine for cats:)
We send headbumpies and positive thoughts
Filou and Tigris

[shais_mom]

poor Grasshopper, you beautiful girl!
You will be in my thoughts and prayers, sweetie

[NoahsMommy]

Aww....poor Grasshopper!

Get Well Soon Sweetie!!!

[Miss Meow]

Ko, any update???

[Vio&Juni]

Kohala, we'll keep our fingers crossed for Grasshopper.

My mom's cat - Pantera had the tail cut by some EXTREMELY stupid neighbors. There a stupid belief that a cat tail can treat some psychiatric problem. So, they cut Panterusha's tail. Now she has a half only. When I found out I asked my mom if anyone told them, that A CAT TAIL CAN'T TREAT STUPIDITY!!! . But, the kitty, even being an outdoor kitty, treated well and she even has a litter of kittens now. She's 10 years old. For a kitty that doesn't even know what a vet means, she's very ok.

I hope Grasshopper will live long and happy.

[kohala]

So far, only two days into antibiotics and an increased diet (Beechnut baby food - apparently the purest meat - no additives - added as a side dish to her main meals) in smaller portions frequently during the day and evening. She seems to be a little less lethargic, but it's also a lot of additional attention, according to Dadcat. I'll know more after the next blood panel is done next Monday.
Question - how to get a cat to pee when you ant them to? :D Been getting up extra early to try and cath her "in the act" for the urine sample - so far, no luck!:( Inevitably, she waits 'til I'm in the shower. So, guess I'll start showering at night and just running it it the a.m. - maybe that will fake her out - ? :D )
She's as loving and cuddly as ever - even with getting pills and drops down her gullet twice a day! Probably the baby food chaser helps!
There's no doubt in my mind the prayers and love you all are sending is helping. Blessings to all of you and your furkids (feather kids, scale kids, etc.)
Will update next week. Love ya! Ko

[emily_the_spoiled]

If I remember correctly Phred had to get urine samples from "Boots the Kat" when he had surgery. I think that he just put a plastic liner in the box with no litter and that was how he collected the sample. You might want to PM Phred to check and make sure the info is right or if he has any special "techniques" for collecting cat urine :D

[gini]

Kohala, prayers are continuing for Grasshopper, and also for you and Dadkat!

[Logan]

I have Grasshopper in my prayers too. I hope you will be able to get her healthy enough, soon, to have the necessary surgery. My kitties are drooling at the thought of having pure baby food to eat!!

Keep us posted, as you can, and good luck with that urine sample! That would be no easy feat around this house!! :eek:

[zippy-kat]

{{Thinking of you today!}}

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by emily_the_spoiled
If I remember correctly Phred had to get urine samples from "Boots the Kat" when he had surgery. I think that he just put a plastic liner in the box with no litter and that was how he collected the sample.

We actually did it two ways...

At first, when Boots had a catheter, he wasn't supposed to use any litter (too dirty), so his tray was filled with shreded newspapers. When it was "sampul tyme", I substituded a Single Sheet of newspaper. Then had to *watch like a Hawk* because there were only seconds to shoe da Kat out :eek: and try to pour the sample into a plastic baggie! Take too long - and the newspaper absorbed what little he was producing! :mad:
Not to mention he wanted to *dig* - newspaper doesn't hold up well to Kat Klawz! :rolleyes:

As tyme marched on, he reluctantly agreed to *P* on a plastic garbage bag (partially split and arranged as a liner in the tray). If he acted upset with just the plain plastic, I'd add a 1/4 sheet of newspaper on top of the plastic for a more down-home "feel"! :p
Still - Quick Action was required to retrieve what was produced before he attempted to cover it!

I became quite talented?? at *Bootin da Kat*, pullin out the newspaper, and attempting to pour whatever was left into the Zip-Lok. Takes "talent" to cradle a pool of *P* in an open plastic bag and then try to hold open a Zip-Lok while you make the transfer! >With two hands to work with!<

A final thought...
Boots was NOT drinking enough - so HE get the extra thrill of being forced to drink. The method was crude, but quite effective. I used a standard plastic medical needle/syninge *with the sharp needle un-screwed and discarded!* as a waddur pump/sqwirt gun! Suck up a load of waddur, hold his mouth open, place the end of the *gun* over his tongue, and in about two seconds *pump* him a generous mouthful. Sounds cruel - and he DID make some frightful *GAAkk* & Gurggle* noises - but he would swallow it! And this technique WAS Vet approved! Being a BIG Kat, Doc suggested about 6 syringe fulls at a "sitting"... more than that and poor Boots made serious *Sloshing* :eek: noises when he walked away from a "wattering"!
I mention the wattering technique as a possible solution to GrassHopper's not being "in the mood" to produce a sample when you are ready to "collect" it! Get the collection apparatus ready, load her up with 6-12 *sqwirts* of water, and she'll be "in the mood" :p to dump the tank!

Happie Collecting! :D

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Prayers on the way for you, Dadcat, and sweet Grasshopper. I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner.

[Randi]

Sorry we're late too.

Poor Grasshopper! :( We're sending lots of positive thoughts your way and hoping you'll put on a pound or two so you can get that nasty thing off your tail!

Will have all our paws and fingers crossed here for you! Get better sweetie!

Kohala, at our vet, we got a packet of something called Katkor, it's from Specific. It comes in a little plastic bag and contains small grains and a pipette to suck the urine up. See if you can get it, it should be perfect for this purpose.

All the best of luck and hugs and headbumpies to you all!

Fister, John and Randi

[SANDY FROST]

GRASSHOPPER WE LOVE YOU AND PRAY FORT A FULL RECOVERY.
LUV,SANDY,TIGGER,YURI AND BABY BAXTET& ZOO:)

[Prairie Purrs]

My Cricket had a "tail thing"--she kept biting her tail due to feline hyperesthesia. The poor girl went through two amputations--the vet tried to save part of her tail, but she just kept chomping on what was left, so now she's got no tail whatsoever. But apparently getting rid of the bad ol' enemy tail took care of things. She does just fine tail-free. Now if I could just get her to lose some weight. :rolleyes:

Cricket and the rest of the crew and I are hoping that Grasshopper gets strong and has her surgery and lives happily short-tailed for a good long time!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by Randi
... at our vet, we got a packet of something called KatKor, it's from Specific. It comes in a little plastic bag and contains small grains and a pipette to suck the urine up. See if you can get it, it should be perfect for this purpose.


NOW she tells us!!! :eek: :rolleyes:

Here's a link to KatKor, but it's not mentioned if it's available in the US :(.
KatKor product web site (http://www.xs4all.nl/~reinvet/english/overkatkor.html)

And found this link, for a complete collection KIT available in the UK...
Vet urine collection kit (http://www.mdcexports.com/products/urinecollect.htm)

[kohala]

Thanks you guys! I'm gonna do the hose-down-the-throat-and-be-ready-to-kapchur-kitty-P thing tomorrow - if no luck, I'll see if I can locate the KatKor. Considering we're building a stadium for the Padres and calling it "Petco" stadium, I think anything we need, Petco should get for us, if they don't have it! :D :D
However, my vet gave me a needle free syringe to transfer the P in, so I think I'll use that to "hydrate" 'hopper in the a.m., then wait for the sprinkles to start. I get up at 5 am, and don't have to leave until 6:30, so that outta be enough time! Thanks for the tips, not an easy request unless you ask people who have had the joy of caring for a furkid!!!!
TBC

[NoahsMommy]

Oh goodness!! I'll be praying you get what you need and Grasshopper is well on his way to getting better.

Lots of prayers being sent your way.

[rosethecopycat]

Oh Grasshopper, we love you - no tail, half tail or whole tail.
Just get feeling better, ok?

All fingers and paws crossed for you, Tuxie cousin.

[Felicia's Mom]

I will be praying for Grasshopper.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by kohala
I'm gonna do the hose-down-the-throat-and-be-ready-to-kapchur-kitty-P thing tomorrow...

:D

Ahhhh... the *Joys* of FurParentHood! :rolleyes:

One more note about *preservation* of the sample...

Doc said if "it" couldn't be delivered to him within an hour, it needed to be placed in the Fridge (NOT frozen) until just before we drove it to him. And remove as much air as possible before you *Zip* da baggie.

Good Luck! ;)
Hope the GrassHopp is "in the mood"! :p

[JGuitaristR]

I will be praying for Grasshopper.

[Uabassoon]

Grasshopper I hope you get better soon.

[zippy-kat]

how are things going today?

[slick]

More prayers on the way from us too.

[kohala]

Well, P-Kapchur was definitely not on the agenda this a.m., not if I wanted to get to work on time. I guess some of you may have noticed I haven't been posting much lately, lots of changes in family and work, and all I'd do is snivel and whine :rolleyes: . Sadly but not unexpectedly, Dadcat's father passed away a month ago today, and it has been hard on his heart. He's been putting a lot more time with 'hopper tho, once again the therapy cat.
But Grasshopper's misfortune has brought me back to these wonderful boards, and after reading other threads I feel soooooo sorry I've been away - so many things going on - Lot's of love to all of you for your encouragement and prayers as you and your loved ones go through your own trials and tribulations! And lot's of chinsckritchies to your furkids, too!
Tomorrow is Saturday, so I will have time to do the do - and yes, Phred, my vet did tell me to refrigerate it! She had said 4 hours, but told me that a full workday would be OK if I couldn't get it delivered before then. Being as the people I work for are such (expletives deleted) I was really looking forward to bringing the "collection" in to work and putting it in the refrigerator there so I could drop it off after work. Even though I work 5 minutes away from home, and the vet is between the two places, I can't get any time off these days to run home and deliver it at lunch. So I was going to CLEARLY label it "CAT PEE" but then I realized the people I really wanted to entertain don't use that 'fridge. Sigh.
Snicker snicker
Not a few of my suffering coworkers (yes, things are that bad at this new job - people are dropping like flies from excessive and unwarranted stress) have had some delightfully wicked suggestions as to what we could do if Grasshopper would donate a little extra Kitty P. :D I love these people - wish the management was human.
OK, enough of that - She seems to be a little perkier, which is giving me hope that the round of antibiotics was what she needed. I won't know until the next blood panel, early next week, whether this has addressed the possible liver/kidney problem. I dearly hope so. We are able to feed her more, and she seems to be able to keep it down. No vomiting all this week. Thank God and thank YOU ALL for the prayers.
She isn't enjoying having meds eye-droppered down her throat to be followed by a - hack-gag - pill, but I am merciless in my insistance that it go down the throat and I think she's finding it's easier to put up with it than get held in some weird position with her cheeks pinched between her jaws and a big, fat finger half way down her throat. AWWWWWW - poor baby - maybe the baby food chaser makes it OK?
Frostfrog just emailed me somedelightful photos he took when he visited, and I will check with him to see if perhaps I can post one. I respect his copywrite request as it his living.
More next week - and thank you all very much from a slightly better, elderly Grasshopper.
Oh, P.S. - I see people here I haven't "met" before - so glad to see all of you here! Will be chatting with you all eventually - those who know me know I am a chatty kind of person ;) .

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by kohala
Well, P-Kapchur was definitely not on the agenda this a.m. :p

:D

P-Kapchurin is definately not something
da KAT puts on his/her daily schedule! :rolleyes:

Refer to Boots Visits the Vet... (http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11944)
and note the number of *Failed* :mad: attempts!

After one especially trying week of failed attempts; we'd finally Kapchured A Sampul very late in the day. I called the Vet and got the "Sorry, we're Gone!" recording :mad:. I started to say something like "Oh, RATZ! I just got a "P" sample..." when Doc Mike himself picked up and said to come on down, he'd wait. :)

I flew down and walked in, apologizing.
He said "Don't worry, we KNOW how difficult a Kat can be! And we NEVER hold our breath when someone promises to deliver a sample they don't yet have in hand!" :p

Keep the Faith.
Sooner (or later) GrassHopp will just Do It and
everyone will be Happie! :D

[zippy-kat]

Aww Ko, so glad to hear some encouraging news! I was just thinking of you guys the other day, wondering where ya were. Glad to see you back on the boards but uppieset at the unfortunate events that brought you back. :(

Remember to keep your chin up, friend! If ever it starts to drop, give yourself a chin skritchie. Hope the Hopper is FELINE FINE in no time!

{{hugs}}

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear that Grasshopper is doing better. Prayers and positive energy are still on the way.

[smokey the elder]

I'm not on much during the week, so just found out about Grasshopper. I hope she's feeling better and will be a good girl.

[Steffi N]

Thank you for the positive news about Grasshopper. I hope the news from her tests is good. I second Zippy-Kat's advice about chin skritchies.

[kohala]

Ta - DA! After all that, all I had to do was line her box, feed her, med her, and let nature take its course. Thought it was going to be a real pain, as the look she gave me when she first discoverd her empty (except for liner) littler box and I set her in it would have wilted the strongest flowers!! Silly me, of course, she wanted her privacy. I literally let out a big "YAY!" when I went into the bathroom and found a nice, healthy puddle, properly deposited in that offensive empty box. What a girl she is. So, off to the vets with the Kapchured P!! Got a rather grumpy look from Dadcat when I took the sample into the bedroom, woke him up to show him. I guess he didn't want to be wakened to kitty pee. Why not? :D

[Vio&Juni]

Originally posted by kohala
I guess he didn't want to be wakened to kitty pee. Why not? :D

:D :D

[ChrisH]

Thats great!:)

[Kirsten]

Glad that she's doing better! Best wishes for her recovery!

Kirsten

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by kohala
... Got a rather grumpy look from Dadcat when I took the sample into the bedroom, woke him up to show him... :D

:p
Sum peepul have no appreciation for the Beauty of Nature! :rolleyes:

Gud Gurl, G-Hopp!! :)

[jenluckenbach]

And what's wrong with waking up to cat P?:rolleyes:
Hope the tests all come back good.:)

[Randi]

I'm glad you got a sample. Let's hope the result is good!

Best of luck!! :)

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm glad you were finally able to get a sample of Grasshopper's pee. Now hopefully her tests will come out normal. :) Prayers and positive thoughts are still on the way.

[rosethecopycat]

I guess he didn't want to be wakened to kitty pee. Why not? :D [/B][/QUOTE]


I don't know why.

That's the Pee of Joy and Hope!:D

[Killearn Kitties]

Still thinking of your lovely Grasshopper. Hope things are going well.

[zippy-kat]

Hey Ko... just checkin' in to see how everyone's doing. :)

You have my best wishes as always!

[gini]

Me too!!


Sending good thoughts your way!

Gini

[kohala]

We went and donated $$$$$ to the vet this afternoon - she's gained .9 lb and I'll know tomorrow how her blood work is coming along. Found out she does have arthritis in her lower back, right where the tail begins - which explains what we already knew - why she has some trouble jumping up. We keep stools around for her to get onto her favorite chairs, but the vet advised to watch how she gets down, as that has more impact on the vertebrae. So now I am more careful to lift her down from my chair when I need to get up, since she lives next to me most of the time. The X-rays were cool to look at, though :D . She was pretty stressed today, so is a little stand-offish tonight. She'll get over it, I guess. But I may have to start cooking for her, since now she doesn't seem to want her cat food - just people food! Oh, and last night she hocked up a bunch of left over turkey - but I think it was a little too old and probably indigestible, from the looks of it.
Thanks so much for the concern - it really keeps my spirits up, especially since Dadcat is a little pissy about the $$. He really loves her, but he does come from where animals are vetted at home and sometimes has trouble with my "city" ways.
Oh, well.
Headbonkies from herself, and love from me - Ko

[zippy-kat]

yay 'Hopper! Keep it up! (and keep up the home cookin' Ko! ;) )

So glad to hear wonderful news of weight gain. Here's hoping for an equally positive return on the blood work!!

Headbumpies right back at ya, Ko & Company!

[Miss Meow]

Thanks for the update :) Dadcats have a responsibility to carry on about cat vet costs, it's in their self sufficient genes ;) But we know that he is a softie underneath and would never settle for anything less than the best care for Grasshopper.

I looked at your Christmas card last night, and the Grasshopper fur was missing ... yet another reason she has to make it so she can contribute to this year's cards :) Look after yourself, we are thinking of you.

[krazyaboutkatz]

It's good to hear that she's gained a little weight. Prayers are still on the way for good results on her blood test.

[gini]

Such good news! And don't you feel that if they need a home-cooked meal - you go right ahead and give them nothing but the best.

DadKat........I am referring to Hopper's food.......not yours, sorry!

I'll be praying that the bloodwork has good results too.

Gini and Rascal send hugs.......all around!

[jenluckenbach]

Grasshopper, I will be hanging aroung here until I find out about your blood wrok. Waiting is the scariest part. Hope all goes well.

DadKat......now be honest, WHAT ELSE would you use that $$$$$ for that is MORE important???!!!??:D

[HayleyRosie]

It's great to hear she has gained a little weight. I will still be praying that there will be good results from the blood test. Keep us posted.

[emily_the_spoiled]

I am so glad that Grashopper seems to be doing a little better :) :)

In case you are wondering I have seen recipes on the web (and a couple of small cookbooks) that provide home made recipes for animals who can not (or should I maybe say will not ;) ) tolerate commercially available pet food. So if you are going the route of preparing her meals you might want to take a look around for these.

BTW, I am sure that Dadcat didn't have a better use for the $$$ and he would have regretted it if he didn't spend it on Grasshopper.

We will be keeping our fingers and paws crossed hoping for positive news from the blood work

Cheryl, Emily and Tanner

[ramanth]

YEAH!!! Thoughts and prayers for continued recovery for Grasshopper. :)

[ChrisH]

Yay, great to hear that Grasshopper has put on some weight. :) Though it is sad that the arthritis you already guessed at is confirmed, but I guess it is good that you also know about the jumping down stuff now and you can help her out with that to.

Keeping the prayers and positive thoughts going!

Hugs

[SANDY FROST]

Good sow Grasshopper you're on the
road to recovery.:) :D
Sandy Frost

[kohala]

She's off feed, after hocking up a hairball and food last night, and her turkey the night before. Dadcat is fussing over her, bringing her little dishes of water, and tending to her like only a dad can do :D . I didn't get hold of the vet today, she's off today, and her partner got stuck in a major traffic jam on one of our famous California Parking Lots - A.K.A. highways! Some work crew knocked out power lines last night - shut down two major freeways and delayed the many commuters between Orange County/L.A. and San Diego most of the day. So will call tomorrow, after watching the poor, tired little critter carefully tonite. I have a feeling dad will be up late, checking on her. She hasn't slept with us the past few nights - I thought she was just mad because of all the meds!:(

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear that Grasshopper still isn't doing well. I sure hope that your vet will be able to help her. Prayers are still on the way.

[PayItForward]

Thinking of Grasshopper. Get well soon honey.

[jenluckenbach]

Poor Grasshopper. Prayers are with you.

[HayleyRosie]

I'm so sorry to hear Grasshopper is still not feeling well. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

[rosethecopycat]

Have you tried tempting her with baby food?
Or there's this stuff called Nutrical for kitties that won't eat.

Prayers for your Grasshopper.

[Miss Meow]

Keep fighting little girl.

[zippy-kat]

Come on Hopper! I wanna hear some really good news on this next report!! Eat, pretty one. Please?

Right now it sounds like you've got Dadkat wrapped around your paw... have him fix you something you really like --liver and rice?-- then eat just a bit. It doesn't have to be much at a time, but it will tickle him (and all of us) to death!

{{We're all behind ya, sweetie girl!}}

[kohala]

Mom came and got me and put me in that CAGE again today. If I wan't so darn tired I'd have howled a little more, but I don't feel to good. The pretty lady that sticks things in my butt said I had lost weight - 1.5 lbs, to be exact. Sheesh, I could have told her that! I don't feel like eating, whatya expect? Anyway, they stuck me two time (mmmmrouch!!), one they said was medicine to make me better and one to "hydrate" me, what ever that means. Then Mom put me back in that stupid cage and made me sit in the big room where at least I had some company - a really nice little girl told me I was pretty! I knew that. When Mom got me home, would you believe she opened my mouth (I HATE it when she does that) and forced THREE pills down my throat! HACK! GAK! Aw, heck, it didn't take long, and I really just wanted to take a nap. But, wow, she brought me a dish of that really good stuff (I think it's for human kittens) and I really liked it. So, it's time for us to go to bed, she has given me more good food, but I think I'll finish later. I'm tired.
Thank you for praying for me - I really do feel a little better tonight. Mom was so happy when I walked into the living room - ! She and Dadcat made such a fuss over me - I gotta keep this routine up!
*BIG YAWN* Good night - Love, Grasshopper

[zippy-kat]

WAY TO GO, HOPPER LADY!

:D :D :D

{{catnip kisses to you!}}

[Vio&Juni]

I am glad Hopper is eating.

[jenluckenbach]

Grasshopper, thank you for checking in with us. We know that you have been going through hard times. Just know that there are a lot of people that care about your well being. Take care.

[kimlovescats]

Grasshopper, you keep hangin' in there and let mommy take good care of you!!! I know it's hard having to get poked and prodded all the time, but you are being a good girl and we all love you!;)

[Cataholic]

OH, I am so late in posting to this thred!!! Grasshopper and Ko please forgive me. All of the tuxies here in Cinti send love, hugs, and well wishes for good health, continued weight GAIN, and good eatins'. Those baby foods made a difference with Tex....

Keep us posted! {{{{{Hugs.}}}}

[zippy-kat]

How's everything going guys? Any more good news?

[kohala]

Back to the vet for follow up Friday - no change in weight, but she got another antibiotic, and a shot to ease her pain from the bit of arthritis in her hind end. She's been moving around a little better this weekend, eating and drinking on her own volition. So nice to see her walk up to her dish, and this morning she woke me with her normal "feed me". YAY! However, she threw up again just a little while ago, fur along with undigested chicken. So no more of that for a while. I'm keeping a close eye on her. I've been easy on her brushing since she's tender where she's had her injections. It may be because she got all her meds at once and they overloaded her, and also I medicated her a little late tonight. Right now she's lying on the daybed, and seems comfy after a snack of baby food and a dentle brushing. Thank you so much for the positive thoughts. I know she is old, but she's always been a very healthy cat and I had truly thought she'd be with me until around 20 or so. Sweet dreams to all of you.

[kimlovescats]

Sending my love to Grasshopper! Please know that even though I am preoccupied with all my sicklings, I still am concerned for your precious Hopper!!! So glad she is walking around and eating a bit better... keep up the good work Mom, Dad and sweet Hopper!!!!

Love and Hugs!;)

[tuxluvr]

Poor, sweet Grasshopper! You are one of my favorite tuxie ladies, and you've always looked so much younger than your years.

Ko, your stories reminded me of our recent "P-Watch" with miz Ritzy - my spouse and I were laughing at the fact that we were so happy to see the "big circles" in her litter again after watching the poor thing strain and strain to get even a little drop to come out. But this was minor compared to your recent episodes.

Ritzy sends white paw-pad tuxie high-fives to you and dadcat for your persistence, and we are all praying for Grasshopper to get better - Ritzy sez the bobbed tail thing sounds kinda neat :)

[ChrisH]

Pleased to hear Grasshopper is moving around a little better, also eating of her own accord and waking you up for food!:) It is a pitty she hasn`t gained any weight but maybe that will change now she is eating better, hope so.

Continuing with the prayers and positive thoughts for sweet Grasshopper to get better.

Love and Hugs
Chris

[Cataholic]

Ko,
Nobody, and I mean Nobody, vomits like Tex, esp in the am. One thing I have learned is to feed him small and slow in the am. For instance, if I am able, I feed him a teaspoon at a time for fifteen-thirty minutes, then I put his food down. He seems to get 'bile-ish' in the am....and this seems to help.

Good luck with Hopper!

[RockyRoad]

I'm so sorry for missing this thread! :o

I'm glad that Grasshopper is doing a bit better, and that she is moving more.
Grasshopper, you be strong sweetie, and be a good girl!

Prayers are on the way to Grasshopper, you, and Dadcat. Paws crossed everything will go well. :)

{{{Hugs}}}

[rosethecopycat]

I know she is old, but she's always been a very healthy cat and I had truly thought she'd be with me until around 20 or so.


Age is only a number. We can hope that she exceeds all expectations!

Get well, sweety.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Prayers are still on the way for all of you. Please get well soon Grasshopper.

[kohala]

I am glad to report that Herself seems to be feeling a great deal better!:) ;) :D
She is moving around and asking for breakfast at the usual time. Still getting meds, and I will probably get her the prescription for the medication that helped her with her arthritis, as she seemed so much more comfortable when she first got the shot. Sadly, the tail cyst is looking pretty funky, and I will still have to deal with that, I guess. We will get back to the vet soon, hopefully another blood panel will tell us no sonogram is needed.
Sadly, the tail will have to wait, especially if I end up getting an early out in a few months. But we will come up with something, I know Dadcat won't let her continue with that God-awful thing on her tail, growing and all.
The power of prayer and this community is amazing!!!!

Love and headbonkies to all of you from Grasshopper, ko and Dadcat (even if he'd never admit it:D )

[Miss Meow]

Ko, it's so great to see some happiness in your post! The prayer and good vibe power around here is awesome :) And OK, Dadcat's secret prayers are pretty powerful too!

I'm sure you'll have a solution for Grasshopper's tail when the time is right, all that matters now is that she's getting stronger and hungrier.

:D

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so happy to hear that Grasshopper is feeling much better and is eating too. :D Prayers and positive thoughts are still on the way for her tail surgery. I'm sure you'll be able to work something out so she'll be able to have the surgery.

[jenluckenbach]

After this last report I am so much less worried. Grasshopper seems to be a fighter. I am so happy that she is doing better.

[PayItForward]

I am so pleased that Grasshopper feels a bit better.

Sending prayers for continous improvement in her health & best wishes for the future tail operation.

[emily_the_spoiled]

I am so happy that Grasshopper is doing much better and eating.

When the time comes you will know what do to with her tail. But for the time being enjoy this Grasshopper.

[Logan]

I am glad to report that Herself seems to be feeling a great deal better!


Hehehe!!! Now that's what I like to hear!!! Butter, Mimi and I all send some head bumpies to Grasshopper and big hugs to all of you. Glad she's better.

Logan :)

[Bari_d]

I didn't see your thread until today...I wish I had known sooner of beautiful Grasshopper's problems - I would have been praying for her too (and I certainly will be now)!

Grasshopper is one of my favorite tuxies...so purrecious, and Kohala, I know you've obviously been very anxious over her!!!! You are such a loving Meomom!

Please give her a noggie kiss for me and I'll try to stay with this thread to follow her progress.

Lots of love from Bari and the Pride

[jenluckenbach]

Just wondering how dear Grasshopper is doing?

[kohala]

She seems to have put on weight and has her usual appetite back, but she did upchuck last night. I found this out this morning much to my dismay as she had politely projected off the edge of the chair she was on, but unfortunately piled it all on a quilting project I had left on it's tray on the floor next to said chair. :( Sigh. She has been food beggin again, so hopefully it's temporary, but I'll keep an eye out for the next few days. You can't imagine (or maybe you can :D ) trying to wash kitty barf out of a pile of 3" squares of fabric!!! Fortunately, it's just a practice piece. Even if not, it wouldn't have mattered, as what saddened me the most was to see the same kind of upchucking going on. I'll let you know how she progresses - and I keep your very wise comments in mind, Jen - thank you! At 17, she IS getting up there.

[SANDY FROST]

We'll say a little kitty prayer for Grass-
hoper.
Sandy Frost

[HayleyRosie]

I will continue to pray for Grasshopper.

[slick]

Originally posted by HayleyRosie
I will continue to pray for Grasshopper.

Me too says Slick
Me three says Max
Me four says Speckles.....

[kimlovescats]

Continuing to think of Grasshopper!!!;)