Hope Artie eats good today and has a nice sized poop! 
-
Too many ads? Join our community of cat lovers now to reduce ads by 90%! Click here to join for free!
Artie and his Issues
- Thread starter artiemom
- Start Date
- Status
You could switch up the different types
food he will eat with some novel protein with some fancy feast to give him variety. Throw in some fancy feast gravy lovers who cares if he leaves the meaty bits? My two picky eaters who were both too skinny last summer leave the meaty bits all the time. So what? Artie eats more every day then both of them combined so he's doing great. And they've each gained weight since last summer on two cans of fancy feast gravy lovers a day and less than a cup of dry food for both of them. Leaving lots of solid chunks. One has allergies to everything and the other had a blockage surgery after he ate the stuffing out of a toy my dog chewed up but he still vomits a lot. He gained two pounds and is thirteen, the one who's allergic to everything gained one pound.
Cats get skin issues, my allergy kitty had raw bleeding infected lesions constantly for over a year. Inky had constant skin infections from out of control diabetes bald spots everywhere. My old horse had her whole coat get patchy and fall out if turned out in cold rainy weather, a fungus called rainrot. Takes a year to grow back, she's had it a few times. Happened again last summer when she got Cushing's disease.
Artie has some medical issues but most of them are chronic and manageable. If I typed out my ancient horse's long list of medical conditions (much much longer than his) there wouldn't be room on the website! Inky had an impressively long list of medical conditions too, all of which could easily be fatal, yet he was healthy, happy and beautiful once I got them under control. Then he got cancer but he was fifteen.
I've had so many cats with supposed heart murmurs and arrythmias for years. It literally was up to the vet of the year and the stethoscope to decide if they heard anything or not on the day of the exam, some years they had one, next year they didn't. Just means be careful with sedation. My first cat Felina was twenty and had one at least half her life, maybe. Skin issues can be so many causes, none of which in themselves are fatal unless it's cancer. If you're not going to biopsy the mast cell looking growth you won't know for sure.
My dog has lesions on his lungs from having kennel cough in the shelter. Just watch. A small lesion that doesn't change is nothing. If it was lung cancer Artie would have symptoms or be dead by now. My mom died of lung cancer, it's aggressive and spreads fast.
IBD and food allergies can be lifelong. Megacolon means the animal has to be upright to be fed or the food comes back up, has to be standing. Since you let Artie eat independently at night and don't feed him every bite, his must not be that severe. Be grateful.
Hypercalcemia was from lactulose? Artie was telling you that for a long time. No more lactulose, it should resolve.
Labs can be slightly off, mine have been my doctors have never worried, can just depend on what you ate or how tired you are at time they're drawn.
And it's almost spring. Animals are shedding. All my animals hair/fur is falling out. He may have some issue exacerbating it but tis the time of year! Increasing daylight impacts it the most.
Life is what you make of it. If you keep thinking he's dying every second, he will. He could be in perfect health, and fall out a window or escape and get out and hit by a car. Live each moment and be grateful for the time you have and just keep being creative with switching his food with things he'll eat that don't make him sick. Try to stop thinking of him dying All the time. He'll pick up on it. It's called a self fulfilling prophecy. You can make negative ones or hopeful ones for yourself and your pets
food he will eat with some novel protein with some fancy feast to give him variety. Throw in some fancy feast gravy lovers who cares if he leaves the meaty bits? My two picky eaters who were both too skinny last summer leave the meaty bits all the time. So what? Artie eats more every day then both of them combined so he's doing great. And they've each gained weight since last summer on two cans of fancy feast gravy lovers a day and less than a cup of dry food for both of them. Leaving lots of solid chunks. One has allergies to everything and the other had a blockage surgery after he ate the stuffing out of a toy my dog chewed up but he still vomits a lot. He gained two pounds and is thirteen, the one who's allergic to everything gained one pound.
Cats get skin issues, my allergy kitty had raw bleeding infected lesions constantly for over a year. Inky had constant skin infections from out of control diabetes bald spots everywhere. My old horse had her whole coat get patchy and fall out if turned out in cold rainy weather, a fungus called rainrot. Takes a year to grow back, she's had it a few times. Happened again last summer when she got Cushing's disease.
Artie has some medical issues but most of them are chronic and manageable. If I typed out my ancient horse's long list of medical conditions (much much longer than his) there wouldn't be room on the website! Inky had an impressively long list of medical conditions too, all of which could easily be fatal, yet he was healthy, happy and beautiful once I got them under control. Then he got cancer but he was fifteen.
I've had so many cats with supposed heart murmurs and arrythmias for years. It literally was up to the vet of the year and the stethoscope to decide if they heard anything or not on the day of the exam, some years they had one, next year they didn't. Just means be careful with sedation. My first cat Felina was twenty and had one at least half her life, maybe. Skin issues can be so many causes, none of which in themselves are fatal unless it's cancer. If you're not going to biopsy the mast cell looking growth you won't know for sure.
My dog has lesions on his lungs from having kennel cough in the shelter. Just watch. A small lesion that doesn't change is nothing. If it was lung cancer Artie would have symptoms or be dead by now. My mom died of lung cancer, it's aggressive and spreads fast.
IBD and food allergies can be lifelong. Megacolon means the animal has to be upright to be fed or the food comes back up, has to be standing. Since you let Artie eat independently at night and don't feed him every bite, his must not be that severe. Be grateful.
Hypercalcemia was from lactulose? Artie was telling you that for a long time. No more lactulose, it should resolve.
Labs can be slightly off, mine have been my doctors have never worried, can just depend on what you ate or how tired you are at time they're drawn.
And it's almost spring. Animals are shedding. All my animals hair/fur is falling out. He may have some issue exacerbating it but tis the time of year! Increasing daylight impacts it the most.
Life is what you make of it. If you keep thinking he's dying every second, he will. He could be in perfect health, and fall out a window or escape and get out and hit by a car. Live each moment and be grateful for the time you have and just keep being creative with switching his food with things he'll eat that don't make him sick. Try to stop thinking of him dying All the time. He'll pick up on it. It's called a self fulfilling prophecy. You can make negative ones or hopeful ones for yourself and your pets
Cindy, you made tears roll down my eyes! Thanks for your words!!!
I was asking you about the lung lesion because Pallina has been found with what can be described as a lung lesion, but in her case it involves a large part of her right lung and a part of her left one.
It seems, though, that Artie's and Pallina's lesions are of different nature.
I'd second
inkysmom
advice. I don't think that Artie is going to leave you soon. Eventually all of our cats will go to Cats' Heaven, of course, but Artie is still here with you and you have to think that he will be with you for a long time more.
Do not jinx yourself and your wonderful Artie
I was asking you about the lung lesion because Pallina has been found with what can be described as a lung lesion, but in her case it involves a large part of her right lung and a part of her left one.
It seems, though, that Artie's and Pallina's lesions are of different nature.
I'd second
inkysmom
advice. I don't think that Artie is going to leave you soon. Eventually all of our cats will go to Cats' Heaven, of course, but Artie is still here with you and you have to think that he will be with you for a long time more. Do not jinx yourself and your wonderful Artie
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3,704
Thanks,
Antonio65
Unfortunately, I think Pallina's lesion is a lot different than Artie's.. I feel Artie's is benign..so sorry about Pallina..((Hugs))
Yes, you ARE an inspiration to all of us.. I mean it..Who else would travel all over Europe, in order to get proper treatment for their cats?? I mean it.. you are exceptional.
But, it is different, when you have soul-kitties.. you move heaven and earth for them.. most people do not understand that. The ones who do are special.. ((hugs))
Artie is just hanging out on my bed.. a new spot.. different than his tent.. he is not using it much the past several days.. weird.. but cats are weird sometimes. I have to think of Artie as a cat.. and not humanize him as much as I do...although, he is my soul-cat..and difficult not to humanize him. He is also my 'therapy' pet... unofficial, although, all I would have to do is ask, and he would be officially titled that by documentation. It has been discussed.
He is refusing the FF which I mixed with the prescription food. This is what I thought would happen. He is so thin, that he cannot afford to lose any weight. Really thin..
He just cannot absorb the nutrients from the food. He just cannot gain weight..
And he needs to have a good poop.. I know it is coming.. he is miserable until that happens. I am going to wait until tomorrow afternoon or night, before I give him meds for that.. I am taking a wait and see with him.. which is what I have done, since he has been on the non-novel protein, i.e. junk food.
Antonio, thank you for the kind words.. I really needed them..(hugs)
Antonio65
Unfortunately, I think Pallina's lesion is a lot different than Artie's.. I feel Artie's is benign..so sorry about Pallina..((Hugs))
Yes, you ARE an inspiration to all of us.. I mean it..Who else would travel all over Europe, in order to get proper treatment for their cats?? I mean it.. you are exceptional.
But, it is different, when you have soul-kitties.. you move heaven and earth for them.. most people do not understand that. The ones who do are special.. ((hugs))
Artie is just hanging out on my bed.. a new spot.. different than his tent.. he is not using it much the past several days.. weird.. but cats are weird sometimes. I have to think of Artie as a cat.. and not humanize him as much as I do...although, he is my soul-cat..and difficult not to humanize him. He is also my 'therapy' pet... unofficial, although, all I would have to do is ask, and he would be officially titled that by documentation. It has been discussed.
He is refusing the FF which I mixed with the prescription food. This is what I thought would happen. He is so thin, that he cannot afford to lose any weight. Really thin..
He just cannot absorb the nutrients from the food. He just cannot gain weight..
And he needs to have a good poop.. I know it is coming.. he is miserable until that happens. I am going to wait until tomorrow afternoon or night, before I give him meds for that.. I am taking a wait and see with him.. which is what I have done, since he has been on the non-novel protein, i.e. junk food.
Antonio, thank you for the kind words.. I really needed them..(hugs)
I'm back. I missed you and Artie SO MUCH! But I'm back! I pretty much said what I had to say in a PM, but I am here, and getting caught up!
The Vetrycin spray sounds very good. I had to look that one up.Thanks,
Unfortunately, I think Pallina's lesion is a lot different than Artie's.. I feel Artie's is benign..so sorry about Pallina..((Hugs))
Yes, you ARE an inspiration to all of us.. I mean it..Who else would travel all over Europe, in order to get proper treatment for their cats?? I mean it.. you are exceptional.
But, it is different, when you have soul-kitties.. you move heaven and earth for them.. most people do not understand that. The ones who do are special.. ((hugs))
Artie is just hanging out on my bed.. a new spot.. different than his tent.. he is not using it much the past several days.. weird.. but cats are weird sometimes. I have to think of Artie as a cat.. and not humanize him as much as I do...although, he is my soul-cat..and difficult not to humanize him. He is also my 'therapy' pet... unofficial, although, all I would have to do is ask, and he would be officially titled that by documentation. It has been discussed.
He is refusing the FF which I mixed with the prescription food. This is what I thought would happen. He is so thin, that he cannot afford to lose any weight. Really thin..
He just cannot absorb the nutrients from the food. He just cannot gain weight..
And he needs to have a good poop.. I know it is coming.. he is miserable until that happens. I am going to wait until tomorrow afternoon or night, before I give him meds for that.. I am taking a wait and see with him.. which is what I have done, since he has been on the non-novel protein, i.e. junk food.
Antonio, thank you for the kind words.. I really needed them..(hugs)
As we know, Artie seems to vacillate on his eating and eliminating, but all in all, he seems to be doing pretty well. Keep up the good work! As far as "humanizing" him or not, who's to tell you how to think of your beloved? As I've said before, in my family, cats have always been beloved family members, never "pets" and never "owned"
. They are our beloveds, and we don't care what anyone else says. They don't live our lives or know our loved ones like we do. It's not their right to tell anyone else how to think or what to feel. I think people like that are envious of our bond with our loved ones because they don't have the remotest idea of what unconditional loyalty and love ARE. So, we can pray for them, and go on about our business of sharing our lives, and our bond of love, with our beloved ones! *I know I do!* 
WOW! Just WOW!!!It's not their right to tell anyone else how to think or what to feel. I think people like that are envious of our bond with our loved ones because they don't have the remotest idea of what unconditional loyalty and love ARE. So, we can pray for them, and go on about our business of sharing our lives, and our bond of love, with our beloved ones! *I know I do!*
How is our boy today? Do we need the
on the case?
Yes, I hired a new Food Fairy! I thought she might appeal to Artie's penchant for junk food! Say the word, and they will be on the way!
on the case?Yes, I hired a new Food Fairy! I thought she might appeal to Artie's penchant for junk food! Say the word, and they will be on the way!
Sounds like
Mamanyt1953
and her minions have things well under control, or are on standby anyway. Hoping and praying for a very good day/evening/night for Artie and Cindy! 
Mamanyt1953
and her minions have things well under control, or are on standby anyway. Hoping and praying for a very good day/evening/night for Artie and Cindy! - Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3,711
I love the new food fairy!!! Yup, she is needed... Artie refused the mixed food, last night..
But ate around 1/3 cup of dry. LOVE the HOT DOG--- only YOU would be able to find that special fairy..
Artie did wake me up.. This time, I got up.. after him following me around, opening the place up, he took me to his litter box, where he produced 6 inches of poop..
And then VOMITED.... sigh..
I tried again, this morning to mix 1 small tsp of W/D with his Purina Salmon~~ NO way.. He refused all of it~~ sigh..
Artie did vomit, which contained a very infinitesimal fur ball.. sigh...
Usually he goes running to the food, after vomiting, but today.. no...sigh
Before I left the house, I gave him a dose of Cerenia, just in case.. and left 1/2 can of the plain Purina food out.
Came home, hours later, to discover, he ate that.. He must have gas. I found a piece of poop on the steamer trunk, which I use as a coffee table. I have a plastic tablecloth on top of it.. so it was easy to clean up.. Had to wipe his bum, because he had a bit of poop still on him.
Artie was, and still is, on top of his quilt.. at least he did go into his quilt/tent this morning. He has been avoiding the quilt, entirely, for the past few weeks... weird...
I think, around 4pm, I will open up a different can of food for him.. perhaps a different line of turkey with giblets.. It is not pate, but, he can eat some of it.. sigh.. fingers crossed..
I hate like heck to let him go without eating. His tummy is so sensitive; he vomits so easily.. and he gets food aversion almost immediately. Artie is not like other cats..
and I did not spoil him.. he was raised as a junk food-Junkie.
I know this for a fact.. because when I adopted him, I hunted down his previous owner,, due to all the medical issues I discovered, and his poor appetite. She said he was raised on Stop & Shop brand canned food.. It was probably FF or Friskies, or 9-lives...whoever they contracted with.....
I concluded; and time has proven me correct, that Artie has no appetite for good food.
Oh well.. time for his poopy med...
WELL SPIT! I was hoping for good news, but fairies are ON THE WAY! HUGS, Darlin! For BOTH of you!
OH...I did read an article that stated that cats' preferences for food were set in their kittenhood, and that trying to switch them as adults was a real trial! Artie proves that right, doesn't he?
OH...I did read an article that stated that cats' preferences for food were set in their kittenhood, and that trying to switch them as adults was a real trial! Artie proves that right, doesn't he?
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2005
- Messages
- 19,820
- Purraise
- 48,270
Truer words have never been spoken.
Our cats and/or other pets are an integral part of our family. We worry about them when we are not with them, when they won't eat, act lethargic or are sick. They need us just as much as we need them. They know our routine inside and out. What would life be like without our soul-kitties? 
Artie adores you and I know there isn't anything you wouldn't do for him.
Heck, everyone on the forum loves your ginger boy. 
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2017
- Messages
- 7,565
- Purraise
- 9,600
Yes! We’re all fans of Artie! Artie is so cute and sweet! Every time I see a picture of him, I want to send him a big hug.Truer words have never been spoken.
Artie adores you and I know there isn't anything you wouldn't do for him.
He is, in a very real sense, "Our Boy." Just as you are "Our Artiemom." You are both a deep, integral part of us. We love you both so.
Didn't want the weekend to go by without stopping in to say hi to Artie and Cindy, and hope all is going well.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3,717
Didn't want the weekend to go by without stopping in to say hi to Artie and Cindy, and hope all is going well.
tarasgirl06
You are always so kind, upbeat, caring.. I love you for being YOU...Artie:
This week-end was filled with anxiety, nervousness, and just downright being scared..
Artie fared much better than I...
Yesterday, I was in a state.. not going into it.. almost full blown anxiety attack..
Artie was there, but at a distance.. He knew what was good for me.. I love him..
His patch of furless seems a bit worse.. seems more pronounced, and has some bleeding associated to it.. I do not know what to do about it. I am still spraying it with
Vetrycin Anti-microbial spray, 4 times a day.. trying to stay away from the real junk food.. but it is impossible with him; he craves it.. sigh
Need to contact NVet's secretary first thing in the morning. I have sent her a couple of emails, including pictures of the furloss patch. and we need a new script for the cisapride.. I have enough to last until Tuesday.. although I do not know when I will be able to pick it up~~~ yup, that busy on Tuesday.. running all over the place; will be away from home most of the day...
Yesterday was a horrible day for me.. anxiety issues, non-trust issues..and questioning things.. Yup, when I do not fully understand something; I find it very hard to 'trust' someone who is supposed to be a specialist in that area.. I self-doubt, so much.. I was getting myself sick.. But I got some answers, by the end of the day.. so I am better..just exhausted..
I was calmer by the nighttime..
Artie cuddled with me when I was on the recliner, last night. He did automatically come into bed with me.. actually, he leads me into the bedroom.. sometimes, just waiting for my on his cardboard scratcher board, or follows me into the bathroom, jumping into the tub, rubbing his face on the water spout...
Last night, he was waiting for me.. He allowed me to get situated, in bed... then he came over.. cuddling, in towards my belly.. his spine against me.. head towards my head..
After about 15 minutes, he turned to allow his butt towards my face.. typical guarding pose. sweet..
Artie was really good today. I was up early for Sunday Mass. He got up with me.. medicated him, then went to church.He refused to eat anything, while I was gone..
Artie was so sweet.. he left me alone, until he got the signs that it was time to be brushed.. I gave him his steroid, then he automatically went over to his smaller cat tree..
Yup, he got brushed.. it was late, but he was brushed.. did not stand for it; for long, but .. he jumped down, and started following me around. I was getting his sub-q's together and warmed so I could give them..
No WAY.. he was too interested in things..
Although he did not run, he was doing a FAST-Chase thoughout the great room and his room.. he did not go into my bedroom.. strange..
Finally, I thought we were done.. NOPE!! Went over to get the sub-q's; thinking he was in his quilt/tent.. NOPE.. turned my head, and there he was!!! OMG>>>
Had to rewarm the bag of fluids.. and then, follow/chase him throughout the apartment..
Finally, after about 20 minutes he settled down bit.. wanting more brushing.. OMG>>what a CAT..
Then he walked around, again!! for the 3rd time!!
Ok.. now he was ready for his tent. I had to cajole him inside.. got his sub-q's in, no issue.. as long as he is quiet and ready.. I am ok..
I was so tired; exhausted from all my needless worry~~ anxiety issues on Saturday.. that I needed to nap... I put the local Classical music station on, stretched out on the recliner, covered up with "OUR" throw.. Artie jumped on the coffee table, then the couch, looked at me and his tent.. All I had to say was: " Come to MAMA"... He came right over, settled down on my lap.. We both snoozed for around an hour..
I had to get up, get ready to attend a wake.. Artie then jumped on my dad's lift chair.. another one of his 'spots'... did not move from it, the entire time I was gone..
He just woke up, nibbled th rest of his can of Tikki Cat Sardines.. He is done for the day with wet food.. now it is going to be Fiber Response, Dry..
Poop this morning was a 6 x 1/2 inches.... first thing in the morning.. glad I was up..
Early bed tonight.. extremely busy the next 2 days, with a very early wakening time.
I need to make sure Artie get all his meds.. before I leave the house for hours on end...
That was today..
Gotta sign off. Artie needs his dry food, and I need to wash the supper dishes and then just collapse...
What a full day you had, Cindy!
But Artie never fails you, he's always at your side.
I know how tiring it can be when you have to manage lots of issues. Despite this, I find it very rewarding at the end of the day.
Hugs!
But Artie never fails you, he's always at your side.
I know how tiring it can be when you have to manage lots of issues. Despite this, I find it very rewarding at the end of the day.
Hugs!
I know that today was a better day for you, so how is Our Boy? HUGS and LOVE and ALL GOOD THINGS headed your way!
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2005
- Messages
- 19,820
- Purraise
- 48,270
I'm sorry you had such an awful day, i.e. anxiety, nervousness and fear. Fortunately your bond with Artie is so strong that he sensed it and comforted you.
Although you mentioned the next 2 days being hectic and busy perhaps it will be a good distraction for you. 
Please check in if you can to let us know what NVet's secretary's reply was to your e-mails with accompanying pictures of the fur loss patch. Thinking of Artie and you as always.
- Status
