Jim and Sterling, blood was found in urine

[jenluckenbach]

I posted this on the end of my mental sanity thread, but I need all the support I can get so I started a new thread, also>

Jim and Sterling had their urinalysis today. Blood WAS found in both, a little in Jim's but quite a bit in Sterling's. So they are on antibiotics and will be going on the kitty prozac soon, that should calm them and make them not care that there are many cats around and they will have no desire to "show off" for them. They are now in their cages for retraining because even with the finding of blood, both the vet and myself truely believe that they need this reconditioning. They will need to stay in the cages for 2 WEEKS and then another 2 weeks in a room before letting out into the whole house. This is going to be mentally and emotionally hard. They will need to come out for daily medication and that will be hard enough, but then they don't even get a reward, all they get is going back in the cage. I can see I will be crying for them a LOT in the upcoming weeks. I will post pictures of kitty jail at a later date when I can get them developed and scanned. I could use all the support pet talk can muster. It is hard to punish your loved ones

[RedHedd]

Oh Jen -- don't think of it as punishment (even though it does seem cruel). It is necessary for their health and the health of the rest of your herd. The separation will hopefully have them completely healthy in a few short weeks, which will probably feel extremely long to you. It's all for the best ... and yes, please send pics of "kitty jail."

[Kirsten]

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear this, I hope they'll feel better soon!

What I don't understand is why they have to be kept seperated and in boxes because of blood in their urine. I'm afraid I've missed somthing here!

However, I'm sorry for you and your kitties to have to go through this procedure! Sounds very hard!

Kirsten

[ChrisH]

Oh, Jen, {{hugs}} it is going to be so hard for you to do what you have to do, but please take heart. You know your motives are pure, that it has to be done. You have all the support your friends here on Pet talk can give, and close by, at home with you, your lovely, loving Charlie, you will get through.

Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts your way.
Love
Chris

[Cataholic]

Hi Jen,
It isn't punishment, anymore than confining a child to bed for recuperation is (the only difference, society won't let us tie the child down (is that a good or bad thing?)). I think I would try to live with it for a week. What would the extra week do??? How do they go potty in a crate?

[Miss Meow]

Oh no, this must be so hard for you. Hopefully after a few days they'll settle into their new routine and things will be easier on you all. Hugs to you, Jen.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Oh Jen!

I'm glad they found there to be a medical reason - I don't know, in my mind medical reasons are much easier to deal with than emotional ones. I mean, I'm not glad their sick, but at least the pills can cure that, and pills are easy on you. Whereas the locking them up and reconditioning sounds like it will be harder on you than on them - poor Jen. And poor Jim and Sterling too, but with so many kitties in one house, they need to know and follow the rules.

Hugs to all of you, and hopefully all the emotional and medical problems are cured real soon.

(reposted from other thread - saw that one first)

[jenluckenbach]

The cage is to help the cats realize that peeing OUTSIDE of their litter boxes is a NO-NO. The finding of blood in the urine tells me that this is at least partly medical, but I believe that it is still ALSO behavioral. After all, Jim sprayed ME!!! and if that wasn't claiming property than what is? And Sterling, plays rough, like he is always trying to dominate the other cats, and since it was combined with spraying, I want to make SURE they know what is expected of them.
The cages are tall cat cages, big enough for vertical space via shelves. They have a litter box in with them. And I bought them each a nice new rug to use as a bed along with a water dish that can be attached to the cage so they will not spill it. They need not to soil their area before they go on to a larger area and then on the the whole house.
The anitibiotics should take care of teh infection, hopefully. They will be retested in 2 weeks. The other medicine should calm their stress level. In other words, they should no longer have hte urge to claim thing as their own propery.

Truth be known, I have not been home since I caged them. (went to my dad's house). I am kinda apprehensive about being there with them all caged up. But I am on my way home soon.

[slick]

So sorry to hear of your troubles Jen!! I can't imagine caging my cats, they'd go nuts. But I do understand why and I sure hope it helps. 2 wks will go by fast, you'll see.

[jenluckenbach]

Jim's crying LOUDLY. It's breaking my heart.

And I just found out that Sterling does NOT take pills very well. I guess I never had to medicate him before. Hoo boy this is gonna be fun.....NOT!!!

[Cataholic]

Jen,
Now I understand. And, knowing the situation, I again ring in with the 'it isn't going to hurt them'. It is better for them, and the household, so, spend lots of time away from home for 2 weeks!!

[bisi.cat]

Such sad news and it would upset me, too, to see my cats seperated, but it's for their best and two weeks will go by so very quickly...

Just keep in mind that Jim and Sterling will be healthy and happy cats again soon...

Paws and fingers crossed that everything will work out fine for the boys and all your other cats!!!

[BastetsMum]

You have my support Jen but I really don't have any words .....

[Barbara]

I am also glad that the vet found an organic cause because that part of it will be treated by the antibiotics. As Filou needed 3 pills per day for 5 days now, I know what you are up to.

I am convinced everyone has to find her own trick as these kitties are so different. We put pills in vitamin paste until he figured they were pills (after having swallowed the first 4) , then we cut a bag (kind of micro-surgery) in a piece of wet catfood and put the pill in -it worked for some more. We ended up with farmfresh raw chicken being aware that Fister had got his pills in shrimp

Regarding the cages: they sound very comfy. Many kitties go to boarding at the vet's or in cat pensions and live in cages like that for a week or two. I can understand your feelings but I also think it is very important that all members of your herd are socialized the right way. It's like the story of the bad apple who could infect the others.

I wish you lots of strength to keep doing your good work.

{{{Hugs}}}

[anna_66]

I'm here to give you all the support I can. I can't imagine how hard this is going to be for you (and them). {{{{HUGS}}}} Anna