Today was my schedule to get a blood test. I have this skin condition that keeps on coming back that my doctor requested for a CBC and Fasting Blood Sugar test to eliminate the possibility that I'm diabetic. I was dreading this day. I know that the needle wouldn't hurt as much as needle poking on my pores whenever I go for a facial cleaning. But the thought of a needle drawing my blood's just a nightmare. I have this phobia since childhood that I have never outgrown, no matter how hard I try to convince myself that it doesn't hurt. I kept telling myself, if my cats can do it, so can I. But it didn't quite help.
As soon as I sat down with the med tech, my tears just involuntarily flowed and I couldn't stop crying. My face was so wet and one of the nurses in the room approached the booth because she was afraid I might faint. I'm so embarrassed that I was crying like a child and all i could tell them was I'm so sorry, I'm just so afraid. I pulled one of the nurses and ask her to hold my hand. And then they drew blood. I was crying the whole time.
It was ridiculous, but i need to get it done. So that I can know what's causing these skin problems, and so my family and some of my friends would stop blaming it on my cats. I'm 100% sure i didn't get these nasty things from them. I had them for years and I never had issues like this. I clean them all the time, clean the house and sanitize everything every single day. So it's just me, I am sick!
I'm trying to get some rest now with Lottie who seems to feel my stress after the blood test. I think Nishi is secretly laughing at me and thinks karma finally got me from taking her for blood tests. Wish me luck for the results!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Robbie, the Orange Tabby
Here's the story of Robbie.
I was passing by the stretch of Roxas Blvd driving back from Cavite city one afternoon. The traffic was getting moderate to slow when I saw this kitten from afar sitting on its paws on the side of an island in the middle of the highway. There's not a single time I remember that I have driven to or from somewhere without seeing at least one dead cat, so I was getting ready to say my prayers thinking it's another dead cat (sad but true). As I passed by, I noticed that it moved. It was a quick decision, the traffic was moderate to slow, and I had a chance to stop so I did it, got out of my car, walked to the cat while cars were honking at me, and immediately grabbed the kitten. He was taken by surprise and didn't get a chance to run away.
He was panting and dehydrated from sitting under the scorching afternoon heat. I immediately took him to the Animal House clinic for check up and confinement. He's about 3-4 months old. Aside from dehydration, he also have a bit of eye infection. But other than that, he looks good. The vet said he seemed to be just dumped recently because he still seems to be healthy other than those 2 things. But as precaution, I had to keep him confined in the clinic for a few days. I don't want to compromise the health of my other 6 cats at home in case orange tabby is sick, plus Nishi's still not well and the last thing I want is to stress her.
He didn't have a name then, and in the clinic he's just known as the "Mulder Cat". To be honest, I can no longer take any more rescues. I have been telling this forever, I have reached my max, space has ran out and my hands are more than full to take another - but then again, I couldn't turn my back. It could have been as easy as turning a blind eye and hope that someone else would pick him up. But I knew chances are he won't get picked up and he'll get run over, it's just a matter of time. So I actively looked for at least someone to foster and offered to provide everything the kitten needs. Unfortunately, no one came forward.
After a week of staying at the clinic, I brought him home. I gave him half or our balcony and made sure that no cat can cross from one side to another. I wanted to keep him separated for at least another week until I am very sure that he doesn't carry any infectious disease. I also gave him a name - Robbie. I think he looks like a Robbie :).
But Robbie turned out to be a "Houdini". After his disappearing act and got me all worried, I worked so hard to make his side of the balcony secured - only to fail miserably. I woke up one morning surrounded with my cats - AND ROBBIE. Beside me. Sniffing my armpit. How the hell did he escape again?! I can never figure out.
Robbie turned out to be very vocal and playful kitten. He's ready for adoption now. And as always, one of my requirements is he has to be an indoor cat. I hope to find Robbie a good family to adopt him soon. If you are interested to adopt, please leave me a comment here.
Ciao for now!
I was passing by the stretch of Roxas Blvd driving back from Cavite city one afternoon. The traffic was getting moderate to slow when I saw this kitten from afar sitting on its paws on the side of an island in the middle of the highway. There's not a single time I remember that I have driven to or from somewhere without seeing at least one dead cat, so I was getting ready to say my prayers thinking it's another dead cat (sad but true). As I passed by, I noticed that it moved. It was a quick decision, the traffic was moderate to slow, and I had a chance to stop so I did it, got out of my car, walked to the cat while cars were honking at me, and immediately grabbed the kitten. He was taken by surprise and didn't get a chance to run away.
He was panting and dehydrated from sitting under the scorching afternoon heat. I immediately took him to the Animal House clinic for check up and confinement. He's about 3-4 months old. Aside from dehydration, he also have a bit of eye infection. But other than that, he looks good. The vet said he seemed to be just dumped recently because he still seems to be healthy other than those 2 things. But as precaution, I had to keep him confined in the clinic for a few days. I don't want to compromise the health of my other 6 cats at home in case orange tabby is sick, plus Nishi's still not well and the last thing I want is to stress her.
 | |||
| Robbie, in the Animal House clinic.He's about 3-4 months old. |
He didn't have a name then, and in the clinic he's just known as the "Mulder Cat". To be honest, I can no longer take any more rescues. I have been telling this forever, I have reached my max, space has ran out and my hands are more than full to take another - but then again, I couldn't turn my back. It could have been as easy as turning a blind eye and hope that someone else would pick him up. But I knew chances are he won't get picked up and he'll get run over, it's just a matter of time. So I actively looked for at least someone to foster and offered to provide everything the kitten needs. Unfortunately, no one came forward.
 |
| Robbie's emoticon chart. |
After a week of staying at the clinic, I brought him home. I gave him half or our balcony and made sure that no cat can cross from one side to another. I wanted to keep him separated for at least another week until I am very sure that he doesn't carry any infectious disease. I also gave him a name - Robbie. I think he looks like a Robbie :).
But Robbie turned out to be a "Houdini". After his disappearing act and got me all worried, I worked so hard to make his side of the balcony secured - only to fail miserably. I woke up one morning surrounded with my cats - AND ROBBIE. Beside me. Sniffing my armpit. How the hell did he escape again?! I can never figure out.
 |
| Robbie, 10 days after rescue, now getting cozy. |
Ciao for now!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Thank You Patty!
I have a new kitty rescue, but I gotta fast forward a bit. I promise I'll write about his story in my next post.
So after a 5 day confinement in the clinic, I brought the orange tabby kitty home this evening. I still have to separate this baby from my other cats for at least another week to make sure that little orange tabby is free from sickness. I divided my balcony in to two as suggested by my husband so that the other half can still be enjoyed by my cats, while the other one stays confined on the other half. My balcony is cat proof and has been fully tested by Sylvia who has not been out ever since I have reinforced the fence and the netting.
OK so I left kitty and started to do my work routine as it's almost time for work. After 30 minutes, I thought I should check him and feed him. To my surprise, he was nowhere to be found. I turned the whole balcony upside down, but he wasn't anywhere. I checked everything where he could be hiding, or where he could fit, and I couldn't figure out how he escaped. I was so afraid that he made it out to the outer balcony and start cruising in the neighbor's balconies - worse, get trapped somewhere I couldn't reach him. I kept on calling him, trying to shake my food container to lure him, but no response. I was so afraid he wouldn't come back because a. he hardly knows me, b. I haven't even fed him, so he wouldn't know if this house has food for him. For hours, i just went back and forth : Balcony -> outer balcony -> back to the house -> go back to the balcony again and check if he has come back -> outer balcony again to see if he's anywhere in sight. All I could think of is what if something happens to him? What if I have a neighbor who hates pet and discovers him? What if he gets trapped? So many shit popping in my head. I was so desperate I started to cry. There's really nothing I could do at that point, but to wait. I started browsing about DIY cat traps. But no, the tools needed I don't readily have, and if I have to trap, I have to do it now now! So I cried again.
Then Patterick came and sat beside me. He probably thought i look stupid crying over nothing. Then kissed him and rubbed his face and asked him if he could pray with me so that the kitty would come back. Instead of ignoring me and walking away (like he always do), he sat there for a long time with a comforting eyes.
When i got tired of crying, i pulled myself together and told myself OK, I'm just going to print photos tomorrow and put it up in the elevator. I hate putting attention to my cats because I'm being discreet about them since this condo's a bit strict with house pets. But I have to take responsibility, and I have to tell them as early as possible.
After my work meeting online, I stepped out again just taking chances... and then i saw something moving...
IT WAS ORANGE TABBY!
Patterick's prayer is so awesome! I'm so ecstatic now I feel like I'm going to be super productive with everything :D!
I locked up little tabby for the mean time, until I get a chance to reinforce the balcony again. I think he can still fit under the railings. What a little Houdini!
So after a 5 day confinement in the clinic, I brought the orange tabby kitty home this evening. I still have to separate this baby from my other cats for at least another week to make sure that little orange tabby is free from sickness. I divided my balcony in to two as suggested by my husband so that the other half can still be enjoyed by my cats, while the other one stays confined on the other half. My balcony is cat proof and has been fully tested by Sylvia who has not been out ever since I have reinforced the fence and the netting.
OK so I left kitty and started to do my work routine as it's almost time for work. After 30 minutes, I thought I should check him and feed him. To my surprise, he was nowhere to be found. I turned the whole balcony upside down, but he wasn't anywhere. I checked everything where he could be hiding, or where he could fit, and I couldn't figure out how he escaped. I was so afraid that he made it out to the outer balcony and start cruising in the neighbor's balconies - worse, get trapped somewhere I couldn't reach him. I kept on calling him, trying to shake my food container to lure him, but no response. I was so afraid he wouldn't come back because a. he hardly knows me, b. I haven't even fed him, so he wouldn't know if this house has food for him. For hours, i just went back and forth : Balcony -> outer balcony -> back to the house -> go back to the balcony again and check if he has come back -> outer balcony again to see if he's anywhere in sight. All I could think of is what if something happens to him? What if I have a neighbor who hates pet and discovers him? What if he gets trapped? So many shit popping in my head. I was so desperate I started to cry. There's really nothing I could do at that point, but to wait. I started browsing about DIY cat traps. But no, the tools needed I don't readily have, and if I have to trap, I have to do it now now! So I cried again.
Then Patterick came and sat beside me. He probably thought i look stupid crying over nothing. Then kissed him and rubbed his face and asked him if he could pray with me so that the kitty would come back. Instead of ignoring me and walking away (like he always do), he sat there for a long time with a comforting eyes.
When i got tired of crying, i pulled myself together and told myself OK, I'm just going to print photos tomorrow and put it up in the elevator. I hate putting attention to my cats because I'm being discreet about them since this condo's a bit strict with house pets. But I have to take responsibility, and I have to tell them as early as possible.
After my work meeting online, I stepped out again just taking chances... and then i saw something moving...
IT WAS ORANGE TABBY!
Patterick's prayer is so awesome! I'm so ecstatic now I feel like I'm going to be super productive with everything :D!
I locked up little tabby for the mean time, until I get a chance to reinforce the balcony again. I think he can still fit under the railings. What a little Houdini!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Nishi's Having Seizures :(
My eldest cat (3 years old) Nishi started to have seizures all of a sudden. It started January 3, when i saw her fell from the foot of the bed, about 1.5 ft. high, and thought she just got out of balance. I followed her immediately and thought there was something wrong. Her ears were all outwards, and she was holding her one paw up. I got scared and thought she fell bad and carried her instantly to inspect and comfort her. Then she started twitching violently. She got me scratched up pretty bad but I did not let go because I was afraid that she might hurt herself. The seizure lasted for about a minute. My husband and I were in shock and I started crying because I didn't understand what the hell just happened. Nishi foamed in the mouth, and she was very exhausted.
We immediately took her to the vet clinic to get her checked up. They did a full blood chemistry to eliminate cause of seizure, but didn't find anything significant. I described what I saw, and how long it lasted. Seizure incidents are uncommon to cats, but unfortunately the doctor couldn't tell us what's wrong with Nishi. Blood test came out negative, there's no infection, temperature was normal. She also have an appetite, and she's very much alert and active after the incident. The doctor said she might have an idiopathic epilepsy, which just means seizure that has no apparent cause. They offered to admit Nishi, but they also said that all they can do is observation at most. Their advise was to bring home Nishi and observe, then take her back if anything happens. And that's what we did. Besides, I'm not really comfy leaving my cats in the vet clinic where there's more possibility that they can get exposed to other diseases.
5 days has passed after the first incident, Nishi was fine. So we were quite hopeful that it was a one time thing. But all of a sudden it happened again, without clear cause or trigger. It lasted for a minute again. After the seizure, Nishi was again foaming in the mouth, and very much exhausted. Then she recovered, walking around like nothing happened - only, she seemed to be disoriented. She seem to not recognize the house she's living in. She kept exploring everything, sniffing everything. But other than that, she looks perfectly normal.
Again, the vet couldn't explain what has occurred. She wasn't poisoned, she has no infection. She didn't have any injury in the head. Nothing. Their best bet is epilepsy. They prescribed us a drug to give her to help manage the seizures - but not to cure it. Since there seems to be no apparent cause, they can't cure anything. Seizures are very rare in cats, and probably that's why there are less veterinarians that know or expert about this. It's too unfortunate that Nishi got this problem - yet better than fatal diseases.
The seizures are getting more and more frequent, and all we could do is to observe the severity, how long it takes, and what exactly the seizures look like so we can tell it to the doctor. The doctor also mentioned that an MRI might help, but they don't think there's any MRI for cats around the metro. So yeah, we are kinda fucked.
Every time it happens, I cry. My husband is leaving tomorrow, and I don't know what I will do if Nishi would have seizures again - this time with just myself to rely on. I am so afraid. I don't want to lose Nishi. I love Nishi so much. Nishi has changed a huge part of myself and my life. I do not want to lose her. I am so afraid that one day, she will have a seizure and will not be able to recover from it. I don't know what else to do. I get paranoid all the time. I couldn't get out of the house because I am afraid that Nishi might have another incident and might hurt herself. I couldn't sleep well, because I always wanted to be aware of my surroundings, be able to get up immediately in case Nishi gets an attack when I'm asleep. I really wish the seizures would just magically go away, or at least tell us what's wrong so we know how to correct it.
We immediately took her to the vet clinic to get her checked up. They did a full blood chemistry to eliminate cause of seizure, but didn't find anything significant. I described what I saw, and how long it lasted. Seizure incidents are uncommon to cats, but unfortunately the doctor couldn't tell us what's wrong with Nishi. Blood test came out negative, there's no infection, temperature was normal. She also have an appetite, and she's very much alert and active after the incident. The doctor said she might have an idiopathic epilepsy, which just means seizure that has no apparent cause. They offered to admit Nishi, but they also said that all they can do is observation at most. Their advise was to bring home Nishi and observe, then take her back if anything happens. And that's what we did. Besides, I'm not really comfy leaving my cats in the vet clinic where there's more possibility that they can get exposed to other diseases.
5 days has passed after the first incident, Nishi was fine. So we were quite hopeful that it was a one time thing. But all of a sudden it happened again, without clear cause or trigger. It lasted for a minute again. After the seizure, Nishi was again foaming in the mouth, and very much exhausted. Then she recovered, walking around like nothing happened - only, she seemed to be disoriented. She seem to not recognize the house she's living in. She kept exploring everything, sniffing everything. But other than that, she looks perfectly normal.
Again, the vet couldn't explain what has occurred. She wasn't poisoned, she has no infection. She didn't have any injury in the head. Nothing. Their best bet is epilepsy. They prescribed us a drug to give her to help manage the seizures - but not to cure it. Since there seems to be no apparent cause, they can't cure anything. Seizures are very rare in cats, and probably that's why there are less veterinarians that know or expert about this. It's too unfortunate that Nishi got this problem - yet better than fatal diseases.
The seizures are getting more and more frequent, and all we could do is to observe the severity, how long it takes, and what exactly the seizures look like so we can tell it to the doctor. The doctor also mentioned that an MRI might help, but they don't think there's any MRI for cats around the metro. So yeah, we are kinda fucked.
Every time it happens, I cry. My husband is leaving tomorrow, and I don't know what I will do if Nishi would have seizures again - this time with just myself to rely on. I am so afraid. I don't want to lose Nishi. I love Nishi so much. Nishi has changed a huge part of myself and my life. I do not want to lose her. I am so afraid that one day, she will have a seizure and will not be able to recover from it. I don't know what else to do. I get paranoid all the time. I couldn't get out of the house because I am afraid that Nishi might have another incident and might hurt herself. I couldn't sleep well, because I always wanted to be aware of my surroundings, be able to get up immediately in case Nishi gets an attack when I'm asleep. I really wish the seizures would just magically go away, or at least tell us what's wrong so we know how to correct it.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Lottie is The Santa 2012
Sir Lots asked me if I can upload his Santa pictures before the holiday ends. So here it is! Two years ago, our Santa Claus was Patterick. But this year, Lottie's bigger than him and the santa suit we bought fits him better than Mr. McPatterson. Funny he didn't mind looking ridiculous the whole evening. Sir Lottie is so much fun!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Roxy's Adopted!
Roxy, the highway calico's adopted! Thanks to Gerry, a very good friend of mine who prioritized Roxy to get a home. She, as well, needed people to adopt her rescues, but she put me on top of the list :).
It was emotional (once again) for me when the adopting family came by to pick her up. I was really happy to see that the family who took her in seem to be very loving and have thought of the adoption a long time before jumping to it. To me it proves commitment. Chris and Juliana (father and daughter) came by to pick her up and it was really heartwarming to see Juliana's excitement. First she hugged my sociable cats that like guests, even my hostile Nishi Maester (but of course we tried to stop her LOL). Then as soon as she met Roxy, she carried her and saw her eyes glimmer.
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| Roxy, trying to be cute! |
I was really emotional when I have to give her away. I was trying to hold back my tears and just be happy, but I couldn't. In the 6 weeks we spent together, I did get attached to this tiny cat. I couldn't hold on to her though. I was sad that I won't be able to see her everyday, but I am overwhelmed with happiness to see that she found a new family to care for her, a family that will give her a new chance in life.
When they left, Chris even asked me if he owes me anything - which really, gives my heart a sense of security, that he is willing to spend on Roxy, meaning, if she gets sick or needs medical assistance in the future, they will not think twice of spending for her well being. And of course, I said no :). All I needed was for them to love, care and be patient with Roxy, and I am confident they will.
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| Roxy enjoying my gym bag. Thanks for the fur! |
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The Highway Calico Has A Sister
Today, I drove back to the same highway where I found Roxy, the calico kitten I picked up yesterday, going to Greenhills to fulfill my postponed plans. And guess what I saw - a kitten the same size and same coat as Roxy, maybe 3-5 meters to where I exactly picked up Roxy, only she's dead flat on the road :(. It is possible that Roxy wasn't thrown alone there, and maybe this kitten was her sister. Why didn't I see the little poor thing yesterday? I felt so bad, if only she was sitting with Roxy when I saw her. When I picked up Roxy, it didn't occur to me to look around the area. Aside from I was in a hurry as it's dangerous enough that my car was in full stop and I, walking around, it never occurred to me that there could be more kittens.
See, if I didn't turn around and pick up Roxy, she would have died. How the hell did they get there in the first place? I don't know. People here are very creative when they decide to throw away unwanted cats/kittens/dogs. You'll see them in the places where you can never explain how they ended up by themselves. Maybe someone dropped them off there when the traffic is light, or at night time. Maybe the street/highway cleaners took them there since they are the only ones permitted to walk on the sides and on the islands of highways... I have no proof, but these are just the things that goes in my head. I heard so many horror stories, and knew people who actually did stuff to dispose of unwanted animals. Some put the unwanted liter in plastic bags and throw them in the garbage. If the animal is a burden, they throw them in places where they know they will never be able to find their way back. Worse, they take these animals in places that has zero possibility to survive. This is what I can and will never understand how people can stomach and do these things? And mind you, these people don't even feel bad at all. This country is the most hypocritical country in the world. We pose to be a God-fearing, strong Catholic nation. We are raged by the Reproductive Health Bill because we fight for the natural laws of life, value the assumption of life of sperm and eggs when they unite. We fight for life. But why do we only value ours? If you think life is sacred and should be respected, why not in all forms? Why not in all God's creation? People are evil. Majority of the human race is disappointing, embarrassing. Animal welfare is just one problem area where we people are so bad with.
When I came back I hugged Roxy. At least she's alive.
See, if I didn't turn around and pick up Roxy, she would have died. How the hell did they get there in the first place? I don't know. People here are very creative when they decide to throw away unwanted cats/kittens/dogs. You'll see them in the places where you can never explain how they ended up by themselves. Maybe someone dropped them off there when the traffic is light, or at night time. Maybe the street/highway cleaners took them there since they are the only ones permitted to walk on the sides and on the islands of highways... I have no proof, but these are just the things that goes in my head. I heard so many horror stories, and knew people who actually did stuff to dispose of unwanted animals. Some put the unwanted liter in plastic bags and throw them in the garbage. If the animal is a burden, they throw them in places where they know they will never be able to find their way back. Worse, they take these animals in places that has zero possibility to survive. This is what I can and will never understand how people can stomach and do these things? And mind you, these people don't even feel bad at all. This country is the most hypocritical country in the world. We pose to be a God-fearing, strong Catholic nation. We are raged by the Reproductive Health Bill because we fight for the natural laws of life, value the assumption of life of sperm and eggs when they unite. We fight for life. But why do we only value ours? If you think life is sacred and should be respected, why not in all forms? Why not in all God's creation? People are evil. Majority of the human race is disappointing, embarrassing. Animal welfare is just one problem area where we people are so bad with.
When I came back I hugged Roxy. At least she's alive.
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