Introducing Betty White

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daftcat75

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Betty is getting accustomed to the environment!! She is learning about you, as you are learning about her! Enjoy it!! I know it is easier said than done.. :redheartpump::redheartpump::redheartpump:

As far as eating goes: I was like this with Artie. I gave him a ton of choices with his food. If a plate of food was ignored, I would open up another can for him. All I ended up doing was creating a fewy fussy cat. Along with having, at one point, 3 different types of food plates for him...

When he neded and did not like the prescription food, I did not know what to do. He would literally starve himself to get something different.. and I gave in.

All his Vets and Techs always told mr hr would eat when he was hun try enough, no matter what it was... but not ARtie... He had me wrapped...

Now, I have Geoffrey. He tried this... refusing food... I began with something I was pretty sure he did not eat before ~~ Wellness... He balked at first... but I was determined not to create a fussy cat...

It has pretty much worked, now that he is on prescription food.. He eats only one type..both wet and dry. The only time he fusses, is when he is tired of the wet, and demands the dry--earlier in the day, when I would not give it to him.

I always tell him: You have food. You eat what is in the bowl.. After that, THEN you can get your crunches!!

I am not saying that you are creating a food-fussy cat, with Betty; but.. stick to one or two selections.. See if she will eat it... My guess is that she will..

Sometimes, too many choices confuse them.

You are doing great with Betty!! As long as she is peeing, pooping, drinking water, active, not losing weight.. all good things.. The food will come...
Since I weighed what I dumped this morning vs what I plated last night, (and because her poop had that rabbit rock star quality to it that Krista's Rawz rabbit poops would have), I want to keep offering the rabbit with the FF even if it's so much harder to find. But you may be right. She does seem to keep coming back to the FF just the same. Let's see what the vet comes up with tomorrow. I'm okay leaving dry out for her because she's not eating it exclusively and I'm seeing her drink from the fountain. I have literally the rest of her life to steer her diet in healthier directions once we've ruled out or treated any obstacles in the way. I haven't weighed her yet. The other reason I suspect she may have something dental going on is that I have not been able to tempt her with any treats in my home. Sure, I don't have the junky Temptations. But I have fish flakes and freeze-dried meat treats in various proteins that have all been hits with one cat or another. I had plans to make weekly (or monthly if weeklies are consistent) weigh-ins by luring her on the baby scale with a treat or a meal. I'll ask the vet office to grab a weight tomorrow.
 

tarasgirl06

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Since I weighed what I dumped this morning vs what I plated last night, (and because her poop had that rabbit rock star quality to it that Krista's Rawz rabbit poops would have), I want to keep offering the rabbit with the FF even if it's so much harder to find. But you may be right. She does seem to keep coming back to the FF just the same. Let's see what the vet comes up with tomorrow. I'm okay leaving dry out for her because she's not eating it exclusively and I'm seeing her drink from the fountain. I have literally the rest of her life to steer her diet in healthier directions once we've ruled out or treated any obstacles in the way. I haven't weighed her yet. The other reason I suspect she may have something dental going on is that I have not been able to tempt her with any treats in my home. Sure, I don't have the junky Temptations. But I have fish flakes and freeze-dried meat treats in various proteins that have all been hits with one cat or another. I had plans to make weekly (or monthly if weeklies are consistent) weigh-ins by luring her on the baby scale with a treat or a meal. I'll ask the vet office to grab a weight tomorrow.
For a higher quality but similar crunchy outside-creamy inside choice of treat, Feline Greenies Tuna Flavor. It also purports to control furballs. We love it here -- it's our favorite of the 3 Feline Greenies varieties we get (along with "dental" Chicken and "skin & fur health" Salmon).
 
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daftcat75

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Alright. She ate about two ounces over the daytime and another two ounces over the night. I don’t know how much kibbles she ate. Doesn’t seem like that many. She did actually take a mouthful or two of food when I plated breakfast. But her resistance to all treats so far (I set them down. I don’t ask her to eat them from my hands) still has me believing she’s got a mouth/dental issue even if her eating seems to be picking up a little.

Two more hours until her vet visit and I’m just a ball of nerves. Betty’s finally quieted down. She was meowing for the last hour. I don’t think it was food. I think she just has a very deep well for loving that needs to be constantly refilled. 😻🤦🏼‍♂️ She seems happiest when she’s snaking around me, taking pets and giving me elevator butt or when she’s snuggled up against me at night. She is an aggressive spooner. If she can’t curl in for little spoon, she’ll find a way to drape herself over me for big spoon. It’s sweet. But I can’t sleep the whole night in the same position. I look forward to when she settles in enough to sleep at my feet or anywhere but nuzzling me into immobility.

She’s getting bolder. She almost sat in my lap this morning. She did a couple circles and gave me elevator butt. But ultimately, she retreated back to the foot stool. Progress is progress. All in her own time. 😻👍
 

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Alright. She ate about two ounces over the daytime and another two ounces over the night. I don’t know how much kibbles she ate. Doesn’t seem like that many. She did actually take a mouthful or two of food when I plated breakfast. But her resistance to all treats so far (I set them down. I don’t ask her to eat them from my hands) still has me believing she’s got a mouth/dental issue even if her eating seems to be picking up a little.

Two more hours until her vet visit and I’m just a ball of nerves. Betty’s finally quieted down. She was meowing for the last hour. I don’t think it was food. I think she just has a very deep well for loving that needs to be constantly refilled. 😻🤦🏼‍♂️ She seems happiest when she’s snaking around me, taking pets and giving me elevator butt or when she’s snuggled up against me at night. She is an aggressive spooner. If she can’t curl in for little spoon, she’ll find a way to drape herself over me for big spoon. It’s sweet. But I can’t sleep the whole night in the same position. I look forward to when she settles in enough to sleep at my feet or anywhere but nuzzling me into immobility.

She’s getting bolder. She almost sat in my lap this morning. She did a couple circles and gave me elevator butt. But ultimately, she retreated back to the foot stool. Progress is progress. All in her own time. 😻👍
Baby Su and Elvis pin me in so when I turn over it's like being in a sleeping bag. When I get up and come back, I have to be very careful to get right back in the tube so as not to disturb them. But if I do, they will reposition themselves. They get up, too, so it's all good.
May the appt. go well! and may she get a clean bill of health. She may never have had treats in the past. And all of the "natural" ones I've tried get the cold shoulder except for the bonito/tuna flakes. Numerous cats can't be wrong, right? :angrycat:They really LOVE the bottom-of-the-barrel filled type (that begins with "T," or "D" in the UK) that everyone buys, but since I had bad experiences (cats getting quite sick on them) with them and read of numerous disastrous occurrences regarding them, I won't buy those, period.

Do you hear or see her chomping down on the dry food? I REALLY hope it's not a dental problem. *ALL THE BEST!*
 
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daftcat75

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Baby Su and Elvis pin me in so when I turn over it's like being in a sleeping bag. When I get up and come back, I have to be very careful to get right back in the tube so as not to disturb them. But if I do, they will reposition themselves. They get up, too, so it's all good.
May the appt. go well! and may she get a clean bill of health. She may never have had treats in the past. And all of the "natural" ones I've tried get the cold shoulder except for the bonito/tuna flakes. Numerous cats can't be wrong, right? :angrycat:They really LOVE the bottom-of-the-barrel filled type (that begins with "T," or "D" in the UK) that everyone buys, but since I had bad experiences (cats getting quite sick on them) with them and read of numerous disastrous occurrences regarding them, I won't buy those, period.

Do you hear or see her chomping down on the dry food? I REALLY hope it's not a dental problem. *ALL THE BEST!*
I have heard her chomping on the dry. But not since yesterday morning. Though it does look like she ate some last night. She might be missing teeth? She meows a lot. And I’m not sure I’m seeing all her teeth. But then it’s not like I have that much time to see them. While it would be kindest to Betty and my wallet (and her future insurance) if she gets a clean bill, that would be more stressful to me than learning that she needs a dental or even some extractions. I’m not eager to get back into dental issues. But maybe it’s just a broken tooth rather than a chronic degenerative dental disease like FORLs. It would be nice if they could pull a painful but ultimately inconsequential tooth (please NOT a canine) and send her home eating better than she has in a long time. I miss a cat who yells for breakfast, eats it heartily, and then sleeps a good sleep after. Betty is restless for hours in the morning and I think it’s because she’s hungry but not able to eat enough. 🤦🏼‍♂️😿

At least the exam and the common first visit tests will be complimentary thanks to a partnership they have with the shelter. And to be honest, if they do a good job today, they may just become her regular vet. Two and a half weeks for an appointment when I tell them she’s not eating well is unacceptable from Krista’s last vet. And then I’m still a little bitter that her doctor put off the callback on Krista’s tests to the end of her workday when the time stamp on the faxed results show that she had them since morning. It meant that I was not be able to pick up her prescription for two more days (closed Sundays.) Would it have made a difference? I don’t know. But I’m feeling like maybe Betty deserves a fresh start at a place that doesn’t have bad memories. And VCA’s have a lot of specialists and modern equipment. I feel like Betty is getting a Kaiser facility (everything she might need under one roof) rather than an individual practice.

Alright. I’ve rambled enough. I think it’s time to start getting ready.
 

Tobermory

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I look forward to when she settles in enough to sleep at my feet or anywhere but nuzzling me into immobility.
Yeah, good luck with that! :lol: I sleep with two spoons. They spoon together to form one 20-pound cat (they each weigh about 10) and then the combo spoons against my back. I’ve just learned that’s the way it is.
 

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I know! had to carefully shift mine last night from one foot to the other, after he’d herded me to bed. Also based on everybody’s comments here about bananas -what’s up with bananas?- I tried to get one on Chewy but they’re sold out!

Good luck w/ the wait! Keep us posted!
 
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daftcat75

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Just had a great discussion with the vet. I like him a whole lot! She looks good all around with some age appropriate build up on her teeth. But no obvious signs of a resorptive lesion, red spots, inflammation, nothing that needs to be done today. They can’t do dentals on Saturdays anyway. He took a weight and she’s actually gained a little weight since the last shelter weight I have on her. He said he could send us home with some bupe to see if there is pain, if that would make a difference. But he also said that if this is the exam that determines her preexisting conditions for insurance that I should instead just monitor her weight for the next couple of weeks until the insurance has gone through and her waiting period has expired. In the meantime, we brainstormed and he suggested what everyone else has said, either this may be her eating style and if she’s okay with it and maintaining her weight, then there may be nothing more to be done. In the meantime, he suggested warming up her food or keep looking for that food she finds irresistible.

So this afternoon, I collect all the insurance quotes I got for her, compare the coverage and costs, and get ready to move on that on Monday. And after I’ve had a pint and an insurance party, I will drop by the store and find a few other foods to try with her. She’ll keep getting her FF because she eats 4 oz of that. But I’ll plate guest stars for her and see if she finds one she likes more than FF.

Maybe not any more answers today. But no red flags yet either. I wish I could have taken the bupe today. But I agree with the vet to wait until insurance has finished with her records and her waiting period before we put anything concerning in her file.
 

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Margot Lane Margot Lane Anything from the brand YEOWW! has strong catnip that seems to last a long time. And the banana shape is very kickable. It's a good size and shape. We have various fruits in the line, as well as a cigar. All of them are very popular.
daftcat75 daftcat75 *Thinking best thoughts and sending up Prayer for best checkup*
VCA is not cheap. But yes, it is a pretty comprehensive business. It's like emergency, but not as $$$ as emergency. That's how I see it, anyway. My parents had Kaiser when I was a little kid and broke my arm. It was really good for them, and me.
Yes, a squalling, snorking cat is a joy. Hopefully Betty will soon be one!
Oh, excellent news!!! The weight gain is fantastic.
May I suggest, if you can get it, Blue Buffalo Tastefuls chicken formula. Baby Su and Elvis SNORK this. I think it's probably their favorite.
 

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I have heard her chomping on the dry. But not since yesterday morning. Though it does look like she ate some last night. She might be missing teeth? She meows a lot. And I’m not sure I’m seeing all her teeth. But then it’s not like I have that much time to see them. While it would be kindest to Betty and my wallet (and her future insurance) if she gets a clean bill, that would be more stressful to me than learning that she needs a dental or even some extractions. I’m not eager to get back into dental issues. But maybe it’s just a broken tooth rather than a chronic degenerative dental disease like FORLs. It would be nice if they could pull a painful but ultimately inconsequential tooth (please NOT a canine) and send her home eating better than she has in a long time. I miss a cat who yells for breakfast, eats it heartily, and then sleeps a good sleep after. Betty is restless for hours in the morning and I think it’s because she’s hungry but not able to eat enough. 🤦🏼‍♂️😿

At least the exam and the common first visit tests will be complimentary thanks to a partnership they have with the shelter. And to be honest, if they do a good job today, they may just become her regular vet. Two and a half weeks for an appointment when I tell them she’s not eating well is unacceptable from Krista’s last vet. And then I’m still a little bitter that her doctor put off the callback on Krista’s tests to the end of her workday when the time stamp on the faxed results show that she had them since morning. It meant that I was not be able to pick up her prescription for two more days (closed Sundays.) Would it have made a difference? I don’t know. But I’m feeling like maybe Betty deserves a fresh start at a place that doesn’t have bad memories. And VCA’s have a lot of specialists and modern equipment. I feel like Betty is getting a Kaiser facility (everything she might need under one roof) rather than an individual practice.

Alright. I’ve rambled enough. I think it’s time to start getting ready.
Gypsy eould be very eager to eat but then would just take a lick and walk away. I was worried about a tooth problem but the ER & reg said they looked fine. ER gave oral pain med and appetite stimulant the chiropractic adjustment she gave really relaxed her & she ate when we got home.
 

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I know! had to carefully shift mine last night from one foot to the other, after he’d herded me to bed. Also based on everybody’s comments here about bananas -what’s up with bananas?- I tried to get one on Chewy but they’re sold out!

Good luck w/ the wait! Keep us posted!
Amazon has them in stock. The banana has been a favorite, but the pink cigar was kind of a bust for us. :)
 
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artiemom

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The Yeow Banana has been a hit for 2 kitties! I keep an extra on had... And the Yeow Trout is great!

Yes, VCA does have a regular, full hospital for animals. I took Artie there for a while. Then I switched Specialists to Angel Medical Center. I am happy where I am now..

VCA is pricey... but I feel all pet hospitals are.. all Vets are... and the waiting time has increased massively for all Vets....

Good for you to have such a quick thinking Vet... Yes, I would get the insurance first.. watch Betty on her weight and eating habits... That is what I would do... and you do have the Vet visit from the shelter, as a back up, if there are ever any questions, in the future, from the insurance company.

Maybe Fancy Feast is the answer?? Don't forget, she is still getting adjusted to everything...

This is really good news Today!! Hooray!!!!!
 
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daftcat75

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Yeah, good luck with that! :lol: I sleep with two spoons. They spoon together to form one 20-pound cat (they each weigh about 10) and then the combo spoons against my back. I’ve just learned that’s the way it is.
Krista used to be an aggressive spooner. Then she settled in with age into a, “as long as I’m within paw reach…” sleeper

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Though Krista was also a belly rider. If I was belly up, she would climb on top. 😹😻
157E90BB-CD48-47D5-8A99-1FFA87AA6441.jpeg
 

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daftcat75

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I was about to write how I thought Betty was hiding and fasting after a vet day and that was okay with me. But I didn’t get to Post because like clockwork, she showed up at 6 pm and said, “Put out a fresh plate I’ll pretend not to eat.” And sure enough, when I picked up the morning plate, it was 2 oz lighter. 🐷 This may just be the way she is. 🤷🏼‍♂️
451E01D1-7763-499C-B472-74E365CF9CDF.jpeg

Instead of eating, she’s using her catnip banana as a pillow and giving me eye kisses while I cook my dinner. 😽
ACF9CAE5-398E-43D4-8746-6D1CC199FC73.jpeg
 
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daftcat75

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I think she just loves to be fussed over for love and attention and left to herself when it comes to food.

Instead of eating, she’s rubbing herself against the sisal on the tree closest to me while I’m cooking. Because I stopped petting her by the wire brush on the floor.
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I wonder if you raised her food dish, by about 3-4 inches higher...if it would make a difference to Betty?
Maybe worth a try.
It does sound like she enjoys grazing at night.
(both of mine do, too.)

She really, really, likes that catnip banana. :lovecat2:
It's not just a toy, but a pillow, too. So Sweet. :cloud9:
That's like the best ever cat toy, then,...one that can be transformed into different uses. :lol:
Krista used to be an aggressive spooner. Then she settled in with age into a, “as long as I’m within paw reach…” sleeper

View attachment 409196
That "paw reach" is just adorable. :) :bluepaw: ❤ :rbheart:
 
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