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Artie and his Issues
- Thread starter artiemom
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- #3,282
Ok, I will give an update...sorry, for not doing this earlier..
Artie is Artie... you know what that means...
I am very superstitious.. so I do not want to say too much...
Artie is beginning to get fussy with the junk food!! OMG.. what a cat.. I cannot understand what he wants to eat... unbelievable.
He is eating some of the dry Fiber Response food. That is good, as it helps his bowels. His stools are still there, everyday; however, they are getting a bit harder each day. I gave him a colace tablet yesterday and will give another one later today.
I do not want his stool to harder up, and get stuck in there.
He is acting very strangely.. like a kitten at times.. extremely talkative.. not cuddly at all.. he does go around periodically, batting a terrycloth crinkle ball; and had the zoomies the other night. Sometimes he will chase a ball that I 'bowl' with..
Artie is also not hiding in his tent. He is out in the open.
Still do not have the blood test results.. I know it has been a while, but it took a few days to be done, and the NVet has not been back to work yet.. He may be in later this week----
Personal issues... As long as Artie is acting ok: eating, pooping ok, acting ok.. I am fine with waiting. sometimes no news is good news..
I know there is a covering Vet, available, who has been updated by NVet on Artie's case.
Problem is the upcoming holiday.. week-end and next day.. but fingers crossed...
Artie is Artie... you know what that means...
I am very superstitious.. so I do not want to say too much...
Artie is beginning to get fussy with the junk food!! OMG.. what a cat.. I cannot understand what he wants to eat... unbelievable.
He is eating some of the dry Fiber Response food. That is good, as it helps his bowels. His stools are still there, everyday; however, they are getting a bit harder each day. I gave him a colace tablet yesterday and will give another one later today.
I do not want his stool to harder up, and get stuck in there.
He is acting very strangely.. like a kitten at times.. extremely talkative.. not cuddly at all.. he does go around periodically, batting a terrycloth crinkle ball; and had the zoomies the other night. Sometimes he will chase a ball that I 'bowl' with..
Artie is also not hiding in his tent. He is out in the open.
Still do not have the blood test results.. I know it has been a while, but it took a few days to be done, and the NVet has not been back to work yet.. He may be in later this week----
Personal issues... As long as Artie is acting ok: eating, pooping ok, acting ok.. I am fine with waiting. sometimes no news is good news..
I know there is a covering Vet, available, who has been updated by NVet on Artie's case.
Problem is the upcoming holiday.. week-end and next day.. but fingers crossed...
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Good man, Artie -- keep eating, especially the Fiber Response! and being a cat and all, we do understand your discerning tastes
even within the realm of le junque cuisine 
Just glad you are feeling kittenish! This is wonderful news.
Not hiding is excellent as well. Well, we'll just continue thinking the best thoughts and hoping and praying that there are NO problems over the holiday time! *or any other time, for that matter*.
I'll take that "OK" with deep gratitude! I just re-read the first couple of pages on this thread, and BOY will I take that "OK"!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3,287
Hello, Artie's Army!! Since the week-end up coming up, I will give another cautious update. 
Artie is still pooping. I am adjusting his days of having the colace. I am also adjusting the miralax accordingly. Artie seems to be eating the prescription Fiber Response food, at night, while I am sleeping. He is eating his junk food during the rest of the day.
What I really miss, is: Artie does not want to cuddle ~~~ none at all... I do not know if this is a symptom of the elevated calcium, but I miss him. I miss his loving, while I am watching TV... sigh...
He did wake me up this morning: Tap, Tap, tap, Meow!!...to tell me that he had to poop. It was time to get up, so I did not mind.. What I did mind, was that he wanted to PLAY before he pooped!!! OMG....
As soon as I got up, it was a long period of "Chase-- Hide & Seek":.... I was getting tired of it, but had to indulge my 'love bug'---as I refer to him.
Since discontinuing the lactulose, and switching to junk food, Artie has gotten so much more alert. At times, he is almost like a kitten. He has become extremely talkative.
Even the NVet's Secretary, has heard him, talking to me, when I have left a message, or when I speak with her on the phone. He is constantly like that.
He is also, batting his nice, soft terrycloth crinkle ball around.. he also uses it as a 'kicker'.. and sometimes he uses the other soft balls also.. Lost his favorite catnip Yeow tiny fish, his favorite toy.. Will have to look for that on Saturday.
Artie is not hiding in his tent, very much.. only occasionally.. strange...
Got the lab results: Artie does have elevated calcium levels. The test had to be sent out to Michigan!!!
No wonder why it was expensive.
As far as I can tell, the blood calcium is one point Above the normal range.. We are just going to watch it for a while.. I think we are going to go by symptoms, and then recheck in a few months.. Artie has an appointment with the NVet in April. Fingers Crossed..
For a cat who will be 14 years old in February, and with so many issues: Well, I am so grateful he is still with me.. and is such good spirits..
This is MY CHRISTMAS WISH/PRESENT...... I want nothing else... I am so grateful..
Going in tomorrow to give NVet a Christmas gift... I would have dropped it off earlier this week, but he has not been in. He will be in on Friday. I have an appointment on the other side of Boston, so I will tread through the traffic, and storm.. but NVet needs to get my gift.. I guess, I NEED to show my appreciation for/to him....
Some pictures taken yesterday.. trying to get Artie in the Christmas spirit:
Artie is still pooping. I am adjusting his days of having the colace. I am also adjusting the miralax accordingly. Artie seems to be eating the prescription Fiber Response food, at night, while I am sleeping. He is eating his junk food during the rest of the day.
What I really miss, is: Artie does not want to cuddle ~~~ none at all... I do not know if this is a symptom of the elevated calcium, but I miss him. I miss his loving, while I am watching TV... sigh...
He did wake me up this morning: Tap, Tap, tap, Meow!!...to tell me that he had to poop. It was time to get up, so I did not mind.. What I did mind, was that he wanted to PLAY before he pooped!!! OMG....
As soon as I got up, it was a long period of "Chase-- Hide & Seek":.... I was getting tired of it, but had to indulge my 'love bug'---as I refer to him.
Since discontinuing the lactulose, and switching to junk food, Artie has gotten so much more alert. At times, he is almost like a kitten. He has become extremely talkative.
Even the NVet's Secretary, has heard him, talking to me, when I have left a message, or when I speak with her on the phone. He is constantly like that.
He is also, batting his nice, soft terrycloth crinkle ball around.. he also uses it as a 'kicker'.. and sometimes he uses the other soft balls also.. Lost his favorite catnip Yeow tiny fish, his favorite toy.. Will have to look for that on Saturday.
Artie is not hiding in his tent, very much.. only occasionally.. strange...
Got the lab results: Artie does have elevated calcium levels. The test had to be sent out to Michigan!!!
No wonder why it was expensive. As far as I can tell, the blood calcium is one point Above the normal range.. We are just going to watch it for a while.. I think we are going to go by symptoms, and then recheck in a few months.. Artie has an appointment with the NVet in April. Fingers Crossed..
For a cat who will be 14 years old in February, and with so many issues: Well, I am so grateful he is still with me.. and is such good spirits..
This is MY CHRISTMAS WISH/PRESENT...... I want nothing else... I am so grateful..
Going in tomorrow to give NVet a Christmas gift... I would have dropped it off earlier this week, but he has not been in. He will be in on Friday. I have an appointment on the other side of Boston, so I will tread through the traffic, and storm.. but NVet needs to get my gift.. I guess, I NEED to show my appreciation for/to him....
Some pictures taken yesterday.. trying to get Artie in the Christmas spirit:
This is exactly what I wanted last Christmas! Hopefully you can have for more than one Christmas only.
Any idea why his calcium is high? Or have I missed something? Sorry...
The elegant suit of Artie is really beautiful
he's ready for a dining out 
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3,289
From what I was told, and my reading... Artie has Idiopathic Hypercalcemia; many cats get that.. they do not know what causes it.. It could have been his kidneys or parathyroid; however, he has had specialized blood tests to rule these things out...
another unknown cause... I really think all these things are autoimmune disease associated...
Who knows what the role of pesticides in food, cat food especially , the junk in cat food- in general is doing to all our babies, the processing of these foods??? Who knows? .. makes me wonder..
another unknown cause... I really think all these things are autoimmune disease associated...
Who knows what the role of pesticides in food, cat food especially , the junk in cat food- in general is doing to all our babies, the processing of these foods??? Who knows? .. makes me wonder..
N Vet will appreciate your gift 
I did that one year. Leroy had a vet appointment in December so I just brought along a gift for N Vet to share with his staff. You can just drop your gift off at the main desk. They'll make sure it gets to N Vet.
I did that one year. Leroy had a vet appointment in December so I just brought along a gift for N Vet to share with his staff. You can just drop your gift off at the main desk. They'll make sure it gets to N Vet.
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Just think you can celebrate Valentine's Day when Artie celebrates #14 in February.
The pics of Artie showing off his Christmas spirit are purely wonderful - he's such a handsome boy. I'm sure NVet will greatly appreciate your holiday gift just as much as he appreciates Artie being his patient. Good luck with your drive into Boston tomorrow.I love the photos of Artie dressed up. He looks as if he is ready for a good night out. Hope he starts to cuddle again soon, those moments are so precious to us.
In my opinion "idiopathic" is just a term that doctors have created to politely say that they do not have the least clue of what is going on. They have brought the ancient Greek into it to cover up their ignorance
Sorry for the rant but I have heard this word too many times lately. At the same time I have to pay hundreds to listen to them say it!
I'm rather sure that junk in food and chemicals and pollutants in the environment play a big role in this issue.
Hugs to both of you
I agree 100% Antonio65, It does make sense though that Artie's problem does have something to do with the kidneys, but other than that, who knows?
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I’m so happy to hear that Artie is feeling playful and energetic, and that he’s pooping! 
Artie looks so handsome in his Christmas photo shoot!
Artie looks so handsome in his Christmas photo shoot!
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In my opinion "idiopathic" is just a term that doctors have created to politely say that they do not have the least clue of what is going on. They have brought the ancient Greek into it to cover up their ignorance
Sorry for the rant but I have heard this word too many times lately. At the same time I have to pay hundreds to listen to them say it!
I'm rather sure that junk in food and chemicals and pollutants in the environment play a big role in this issue.
I couldn't agree more!
YAY Artie man! Keep on doing the excellent work! Your devoted Army is behind you 100%!Hello, Artie's Army!! Since the week-end up coming up, I will give another cautious update.
Artie is still pooping. I am adjusting his days of having the colace. I am also adjusting the miralax accordingly. Artie seems to be eating the prescription Fiber Response food, at night, while I am sleeping. He is eating his junk food during the rest of the day.
What I really miss, is: Artie does not want to cuddle ~~~ none at all... I do not know if this is a symptom of the elevated calcium, but I miss him. I miss his loving, while I am watching TV... sigh...
He did wake me up this morning: Tap, Tap, tap, Meow!!...to tell me that he had to poop. It was time to get up, so I did not mind.. What I did mind, was that he wanted to PLAY before he pooped!!! OMG....
As soon as I got up, it was a long period of "Chase-- Hide & Seek":.... I was getting tired of it, but had to indulge my 'love bug'---as I refer to him.
Since discontinuing the lactulose, and switching to junk food, Artie has gotten so much more alert. At times, he is almost like a kitten. He has become extremely talkative.
Even the NVet's Secretary, has heard him, talking to me, when I have left a message, or when I speak with her on the phone. He is constantly like that.
He is also, batting his nice, soft terrycloth crinkle ball around.. he also uses it as a 'kicker'.. and sometimes he uses the other soft balls also.. Lost his favorite catnip Yeow tiny fish, his favorite toy.. Will have to look for that on Saturday.
Artie is not hiding in his tent, very much.. only occasionally.. strange...
Got the lab results: Artie does have elevated calcium levels. The test had to be sent out to Michigan!!!
As far as I can tell, the blood calcium is one point Above the normal range.. We are just going to watch it for a while.. I think we are going to go by symptoms, and then recheck in a few months.. Artie has an appointment with the NVet in April. Fingers Crossed..
For a cat who will be 14 years old in February, and with so many issues: Well, I am so grateful he is still with me.. and is such good spirits..
This is MY CHRISTMAS WISH/PRESENT...... I want nothing else... I am so grateful..
Going in tomorrow to give NVet a Christmas gift... I would have dropped it off earlier this week, but he has not been in. He will be in on Friday. I have an appointment on the other side of Boston, so I will tread through the traffic, and storm.. but NVet needs to get my gift.. I guess, I NEED to show my appreciation for/to him....
Some pictures taken yesterday.. trying to get Artie in the Christmas spirit:
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View attachment 210834
View attachment 210835
View attachment 210836
Hopefully Artie will bestow more of his affection upon you right away. I know, it's not easy to live with a sweet cat who's in a "hands-off" mood. I'm always grabbing and snorgling mine, and of course they are disgusted, going into bouts of furious washing afterwards. I do try my best to resist. But sometimes I just can't.
Artie looks so stylishly seasonal in his little collar and tartan tie. Please tell him his friends in Southern CATifornia admire his handsomeness, won't you?
He certainly is handsome in his Christmas outfit! Taking you out for a night on the town?
I know you miss him snuggling with you, but...I'm also so glad that he feels well enough to want to spend his time playing! Silver linings, you know. I'm all about those!
I know you miss him snuggling with you, but...I'm also so glad that he feels well enough to want to spend his time playing! Silver linings, you know. I'm all about those!
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- #3,299
Artie did snuggle last night.. hopefully it does not mean he is getting sick...
He did a small town patty this morning--no stool softener.. he has also been leaving 'presents' all over the place.. had to change the puppy pads twice.
He did poop again, about a half hour ago. It was another cow patty, larger than this morning...... sigh..
He was starving for fresh food. I opened up a can of Fancy Feast Classic Beef; with some added water.. He devoured 1/2 a can, in no time.. then he went over to the entry way, and started COUGHING!!!! OMG!!! another NEW symptom!! Oh No!!
I picked him up, thinking he was about to vomit on the scatter rug, placing him in the kitchen. He proceeded to cough for several minutes, sounding so congested!!! OMG...
Artie finally stopped coughing. I picked him up, patting his back, like burping a baby.. Put him down, he proceeded to jump on the dining room chair--- another hiding spot for him. He is hidden because of the tablecloth, but I can hear him jump on the chair.
NVEt will not be back to work until Tuesday!!!! OMG.... a snow/ice storm, and being Christmas Week-end.. OMG... fingers crossed.....
He stopped coughing.. never did that before..
The only thing I can think of is that he devoured his food so fast, that he aspirated some of it... that is why he sounded congested... or he was trying to vomit and aspirated a bit...
This cat is giving me so many grey hairs... and making me so nervous...
He did a small town patty this morning--no stool softener.. he has also been leaving 'presents' all over the place.. had to change the puppy pads twice.
He did poop again, about a half hour ago. It was another cow patty, larger than this morning...... sigh..
He was starving for fresh food. I opened up a can of Fancy Feast Classic Beef; with some added water.. He devoured 1/2 a can, in no time.. then he went over to the entry way, and started COUGHING!!!! OMG!!! another NEW symptom!! Oh No!!
I picked him up, thinking he was about to vomit on the scatter rug, placing him in the kitchen. He proceeded to cough for several minutes, sounding so congested!!! OMG...
Artie finally stopped coughing. I picked him up, patting his back, like burping a baby.. Put him down, he proceeded to jump on the dining room chair--- another hiding spot for him. He is hidden because of the tablecloth, but I can hear him jump on the chair.
NVEt will not be back to work until Tuesday!!!! OMG.... a snow/ice storm, and being Christmas Week-end.. OMG... fingers crossed.....
He stopped coughing.. never did that before..
The only thing I can think of is that he devoured his food so fast, that he aspirated some of it... that is why he sounded congested... or he was trying to vomit and aspirated a bit...
This cat is giving me so many grey hairs... and making me so nervous...
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