Terry's diabetes

For as long as I've been looking after him, Terry the cat has always been rather large - he'll agree, he won't mind me saying that. A gentle giant really, very friendly and soppy, always ready with a paw to tap you on the leg if you let up from stroking him for even a few seconds.

Doesn't say much, but he has his own ways of communicating. Especially when he wants food - which used to be always. Whatever I'd put down it would be gone in a couple of minutes, no matter what it was. He has a sister, Belinda, who's less forward, and always waits for him to finish eating. Even though he's gentle, if he sees she has food, he'll nudge her out of the way. So I always made sure that she was fed upstairs, separately from him.

He would always drink loads too - and I mean LOADS!!! Whenever I turned up his water was all gone, as was the water in the second bowl I left out for them. I know it was him, because whenever I refilled the bowls he just couldn't get enough. And if it had been raining, he'd be in the garden drinking water out of the various pots lying around.

So, it was a fair bet he might be diabetic, but whenever his mum took him to the vet to be tested, there was no sign. Until recently...........

So, over this Christmas and New Year things have been a little different for him (and me). My sister's dog has also recently been diagnosed, and I spent a few days looking after her, so understand the issues around food and insulin injections. Daily visits had to be increased to twice daily (which they loved!), and I had to make sure he ate before he had his insulin.

Now, I never imagined that this would be a problem, as he's always loved his food. But there have been some changes in him - his coat is in much better condition, and he's lost a bit of weight. The one change I didn't anticipate though is how difficult it might now be to get him to eat!!! So we've tried everything. I've even been bringing some of Bella's food from home to see whether I can tempt him, and worked out that either regular tinned tuna or Sheba trays are what it takes.

The tuna was a desperate measure really, as one day he wasn't eating anything I gave him, then remembered I had some emergency tuna in the car. Lapped it up!! But this is only good now and again as cats need the taurine that's derived from meat, and the right amounts are contained in the food products created specifically for cats.

He's also eating more slowly too now (which is good for him), but it means that my half hour visits are mostly stretching to nearly an hour each time. Great for him, but not cost effective for me!!

And when he comes to his injection he doesn't object at all. In fact he just thinks he's getting more strokes, and purrs all the louder. Soppy, soppy, soppy..........

Polly's Acrobatics

Polly is a lovely girl, not so young these days, but still loves to go out wandering. Most of the times I've gone to look after her she'll race out the front door in the morning, and no amount of coaxing in for food will work. But she's happy to sit outside all day, waiting for my evening visit when she scoots indoors again, very hungry.

I was looking after her for a few days over the recent Christmas period. Her mum told me that as it's been so cold and snowy of late, she'd taken to staying indoors, so not to worry if she didn't want to go out. That's fine by me, as she lives near a main road, and I have to say I do get a little concerned when she's out all day. I'm always very relieved to see her again in the evening. But then she's lived there for a number of years and is probably very street wise, and likely doesn't venture too near the road anyway. Still, I can't help but be so pleased to see her again in the evening..........

The first Christmas visit, she was asleep on the sofa, and snuggled up to me for a cuddle. She then came downstairs for a look at her food, but no inclination to go anywhere near the front door. Then straight back up again to settle in her warm spot.

The next day though, she wanted to go and sniff the air. Didn't stay out long though, and I wasn't surprised. Until she was itching to go out again!! So, I opened the door again, and out she trotted. This time she was her normal self - nothing (not even food) could coax her in. It was very cold, but I know that cats don't feel the cold the way that we do. Still, I wasn't happy for her to be out until I was able to get back again later in the day - that was too long.

I shut the door to keep the warm in, and went upstairs to fill her water glass (and how many cats do I know who like to drink out of a glass? - loads!). Next thing there was a noise at the front door, so I came down to see what it was. The top half of this front door is glazed with 9 frosted panels - and there was a cat clinging on to the beading in between. Completely spread-eagled against the window, just like a cartoon cat!!! It was hilarious!

Now, this is a lady in late middle age, but just goes to show how agile cats can be well into their dotage. Quite how she actually launches herself at the window I have no idea. And how long she'd have been able to stay there if I hadn't let her in is also a mystery!

I've heard of cats that find ways to let their families know they want to come in again, but never come across this before. Her mum told me that she does it when she's desperate to come in - and it always frightens the life out of her!!

Christmas Tales - to come.....

Can't believe it's been 2 whole weeks since my last post!!! Longest ever....... Sorry to all those of you who like to keep up with my comings and goings.

Hope you've all managed to have a lovely Christmas and perhaps a little rest and recuperation too. Not too mention far too much to eat and drink!!

I've been rather busy taking care of lots of cats over Christmas, so not much time for writing. Most of it has been lovely, but the downside was the awful road conditions on Boxing Day.

Anyway, will be updating you soon, just wanted to let you know I hadn't forgotten!!

Rescuing Roland

I've been going to take care of Jenny for a couple of years, and more so since she lost her sister last year. The changes in her are remarkable, both through finally having the house to herself, and the Reiki help I've been giving to her. She's much more friendly, confident and vocal – and now very good at bossing us all around. I wrote about Jenny's story in August – have a look at "Introducing Mrs Dolittle".

But this story isn't about her. In recent months, while I've been visiting her, every now and again a rather sad looking cat comes to the door. He's rather skinny, not very clean, has scratches all over his face, and has something wrong with his eyes. Jenny's mum has also noticed him from time to time, so has been leaving a food bowl out in the front garden. If either of us see him we run inside to get some food, and he wolfs it down! Clearly doesn't get to eat that regularly. Alison didn't know if he had a home and family, but our guess was that he didn't. Or, if he did, he wasn't well looked after. Given that we don't see him a lot, he probably has a fairly wide territory that he roams, and goes where he knows where he might get some food from time to time.

There was one time he came out from under a car just as I was arriving, and followed me up the garden path. I fed him, but was so tempted to scoop him up, and take him to Animals in Distress. Even if he did have a home, he was clearly in need of some urgent medical attention and a few good meals!! Alison and I often talked about what we should do; but we were reluctant as we really didn't know anything about him.

The day came though, when we decided that we should do something. Alison had asked around her neighbours, and nobody seemed to know where he lived, so it was a fair bet that he didn't have a home. So, one day when I was doing a long visit with Jenny, I arranged for Animals in Distress to bring the cat trap to see if we could tempt him in. I brought some tuna to encourage things even more – although he would have eaten anything. As visits were few and far between, we really didn't know how long it would take. But within about half an hour I heard the door spring closed and rushed out to see him inside!! He wasn't happy, yowling and crying, and I could understand that. But I felt certain that once he'd had some medical care and we got him to Animals in Distress he'd be much happier. Just image – living outside in the cold and wet (by now November), always looking over your shoulder to be certain there were no other cats around, only eating from time to time, nowhere soft, warm and safe to sleep.

I called Brian from Animals in Distress again, and we arranged to meet half way where I'd hand him over – and he had him booked in at the vet for a check up. I called Brian later to see how he was, and he said the vet had been surprised that his physical condition wasn't as bad as I'd suggested it would be. In fact, the vet said he was a fairly strong, healthy cat, albeit rather old. Well, both Alison and her neighbour had been feeding him for a while, so perhaps this had helped his condition a little. I called Alison to let her know of our success later on, then went to visit him the next day at Animals in Distress. He was fairly quiet and shy, sitting up on his shelf, but accepted some head scratches from me, and a little food. Had to admit he did look better than I'd remembered him last (was hard to tell how he looked while in the cat trap as I couldn't see him properly). We decided to call him Roland.

All this made sense when Alison called that evening and said she'd had the shock of her life – she'd just got home from work, and who should follow her up the garden path? So, even if we'd only ever seen one black and white cat, there were actually two!! The one we'd called Roland was in better health, but as with our friend, had more white than black on him, and the black bits were peppered with grey hairs. At first we were both so worried that we'd taken a cat that had a perfectly nice home of his own, and perhaps his family were now getting worried about him. But then, he was in the best place he could be, warm and safe with lots of lovely food to eat. So, Alison and I created some posters and flyers and distributed them all around the area, to see if anyone came forward.

I'd sensed that Roland was also a stray, but just one that wasn't ill, and was perhaps better at finding food. I had a go at tuning into him, to see if I could have a conversation, and see how he felt. Despite my conviction that he was a stray, I worried that I'd pick up on feelings of upset and missing his family. But all I got were happy feelings. As far as he was concerned he'd really fallen on his feet, had his own little place to sleep in, and plenty of food to eat. People would come and see him and talk to him all through the day. He was loving it!! That was reinforced when I went back to Animals in Distress a couple of days later. The staff said that he was now coming to the front of his cage to greet people, and he seemed to be really happy. He was a gentle soul, but friendly all the same.

So, we got the wrong cat, but maybe we got the cat we were supposed to???

Alison has still seen the original cat (we really should give him a name) from time to time, but he's still rather elusive and shy around people. I'm hoping that we can rescue him one day, but I'm not so sure we will. Alison's reluctant to use the cat trap again as it really needed to go in the back yard, rather than the front garden – but that was starting to upset Jenny. The back yard is her territory, and although she's doing really well these days, we don't want to set her back again.

Meantime Alison's continued to talk to neighbours, and has now learnt a little more. It seems that there were two white and black cats living with a family who moved away and left them behind, and have been straying ever since. So, hopefully we can find a nice new home for Roland one day soon, and eventually rescue his brother........ I'll keep you updated.

By the way, the cat in the picture isn't Roland, but looks a lot like him. I'll try to take one of him and post it for you to see.

Such a “Pritti” cat

A few months ago, the staff at Animals in Distress were told about a feral cat living in fields nearby who'd recently given birth to a litter of kittens. It was decided to try to get them into Animals in Distress, to give them the best start in life. Catching cats can sometimes be quite difficult, especially if they're feral, so this is done with a humane cat trap. If you've not seen one, it looks like a rather long cat carrier, and food it placed in one end, with the door at the other end secured in an open position. When the cat enters the trap and moves to the other end where the food is, they step on a plate that releases the door so that it shuts, with the cat inside. Then the cat can be transported in the trap to the sanctuary.

The staff were told that there were possibly 6 kittens, although when they're so small and snuggled together it can be quite difficult to count accurately. Bit by bit mother and 5 of the kittens were brought in – perhaps there were only 5 – as well as a rather straggly male cat who was also nearby. It was supposed that he was the father.

Now, there's a difference between ferals and strays, although the lines can sometimes be a little blurred. Generally feral cats have always lived in the wild and have not been used to human company, or living in a house with people. Strays have usually been pets at one time, but for a variety of reasons are now living rough, scrounging what they can from kind people and whatever they catch. Because strays have been used to human company some can be very adept at "adopting" a number of people locally to leave food out for them. Some of them actually prefer this lifestyle, and choose to live this way. Others very clearly are desperate to come and live in a house with people again. For these reasons strays can usually be adopted with few problems, although those who've chosen to be strays might just decide to wander off again at some point.

Because ferals aren't used to human company they are usually rather fearful of people. Some live in colonies where kind locals deliver food to them on a regular basis, but even in this circumstance, they'll keep their distance while the human is around, and only approach the food when the coast is clear. If you've ever been near a feral cat, you'll be familiar with the typical behaviour if a human is around – ears flattened on the head, the body kept low to the ground, and lots of hissing and spitting. Get too close and you might even be attacked.

You normally wouldn't attempt to find a home for an adult feral cat. Because they've never had close contact with a human (which would have shown them how lovely the relationship could be for them) they've learnt to distrust and fear us. As such it's almost impossible to domesticate an adult feral. And why would you want to anyway? They don't know any different to the way they've lived their life, so don't know that they're missing anything. It's how they've learnt to be, how they are. It's tempting to want to, if only to ensure that they receive medical treatment when they need it, and give them a chance of living longer and more healthily. But it really wouldn't be right, too much of a shock and change for them.

So, when the mum was brought in, it was tricky. Because Animals in Distress is a rescue centre, all animals are taken to the vet first for a check up, no matter what. Then any treatment can be given. In the case of the mum, the first thing was to neuter her so that she wouldn't be having any more kittens that would find it difficult to survive in the wild – there are already far too many. An overall health check discovered that she had some broken toes, so she was prescribed lots of cage rest until she was better.

Feral kittens, on the other hand, if caught early enough can make lovely pets. At first these ones were very hissy and spitty too, although the extent of this varied. Some were more outgoing and curious, coming to the front of the cage if a person came into the cattery, whereas others would cower in a corner or the cage, or high on the shelf. However, at first, all would be the same when the door was opened – ears down, eyes narrowed and yes, lots of hissing and spitting. The key to winning over ferals is by getting them used to people through lots of visits, handling and socialising. But it's important to take it at the right pace, and not force them. When I spend time giving Reiki to ferals I don't even open the cage door for the first few visits. I stay on the outside and send them lots of loving Reiki, to help them to settle and be at ease. When you can pick up a feral for the first time, they will still hiss, as this behaviour has been learnt – but by now most will allow contact. Sometimes you just have to give light, gentle strokes (and if you've got a couple of treats to give as a reward, they soon learn!). But eventually most will learn to enjoy human contact and for many it's not long before they come looking for a cuddle. All the kittens found good homes very quickly.

Dad was in a cage on his own, and it was apparent that he had been used to human contact. He was a lovely old boy who'd obviously been straying for a while, and found his way to this feral colony. He was so friendly, with a gentle nature. With the help of some expert vet treatment, good quality food, lots of safe sleep and some lovely healing Reiki, he was soon looking pretty good. He had a new home very quickly.

So, back to mum. There she was in her cage, obviously finding the whole experience rather strange. When she wasn't hissing, you could see that she had such a lovely little face, despite the ravages that her hard life had wrought upon her. All the animals are given names, and finding enough names is always a challenge. Because she was so pretty I thought that the Indian name Pritti would suit her very well. Names carry meaning and vibrations, and I felt it was important that she was made to feel loved and cared for, so choosing the right name was essential. It was impossible to call her by her name and not feel the meaning of what you were saying (in English terms, that is).

She wouldn't tolerate anyone going into her cage, understandably so. Staff had to be especially careful when feeding and cleaning up around her. Whenever I went to see her I'd just sit very quietly outside the cage, and let her take however much Reiki she needed. At first, it was clear she found the feeling of the energy rather daunting, so I'd let her just soak up the energy I was sending to the others cats there. Eventually though she'd let me sit there, and would start to enjoy the energy. It wasn't particularly easy tuning into her feelings and thoughts as she was still putting barriers up. But in her more relaxed moments, when her guard was down, I picked up that she was quite happy in her own way. She knew she was there because she was being taken care of, and liked the feeling of not having to look over her shoulder all the time. Her food was hers and no-one else's and it came regularly. She never really developed a big appetite, and would generally only eat when no-one was around. She was warm and safe, and although she missed the sounds and smells of her normal environment, she did appreciate the care she was receiving – even if she struggled to show it.

Her broken toes took a while to mend, and in this time we developed a good-ish relationship. She knew what I was doing, and got into the habit of falling asleep while she was soaking up the energy. The first time I managed to sit with her with her ears up, and purring away, I was thrilled to bits! I'd talk to her and tell her what was happening, that her kittens all had lovely homes and people to take care of them, so she didn't need to worry. I also told her that the staff were looking for a different option for her. Clearly she couldn't go and live with people in their home, and where she and her kitts had been found wasn't the best place to return her to.

Eventually a place was found for her on a feral colony that lived on an allotment, where they were all allowed to wander, but were all safe as they stayed within the confines of the allotments. There was plenty of space, and best of all she would be fed every day in a warm, dry shed. So finally, Pritti went to her new home. I've tuned into her again since then, and having spent so long at Animals in Distress she did feel a little strange and uncomfortable at first. But since then when I've talk to her, she's a happy cat who knows she's been very lucky.

Great - Fresh Litter!!

I've just come back from seeing one of my favourite cats (well, you know, they all are really) - Archie. I wrote about him back in July - one of the amazing cats I know with only 3 legs. Still racing around the flat, chasing after treats - brilliant eyesight! - and even took a running jump onto the sofa, then to the armchair, and finally up to the window sill where I was looking out for a moment!

Well, this time I needed to change his litter, and as I was doing this he was standing by, supervising operations. Just in case I got it wrong, obviously. The minute I'd refreshed it, and it was all brand new again, what do you know - straight in it to christen it!!

And that reminded me how many cats I look after do that. No sooner is it all nice and clean and fresh again, then it's all soiled. I won't go into too many details, after all, you might be eating your lunch right now.... But luckily this time it was just wet, and not very much, so I left it. But there are times when I've got to start all over again!!

And other times when, just as I've emptied it, the cats decide to use the tray before it's refilled - especially a naughty little girl (no names though, don't want to embarass her), who managed to spray all up the bathroom wall as the lid wasn't on!

It's clearly a marking territory sort of thing, this. I'm sure they've not been standing with crossed legs for hours, waiting for me to come and change their litter. But it happens more than it doesn't, and makes me chuckle. Love them all!!

Honi’s New Brother

A little while ago, I wrote about the dilemma some people have when they have cats and babies.

Honi has lived with Sarah and Thom for some years now, and then Darcy came to live with them. Darcy is a boy cat, with lots of big boy energy, and it was becoming obvious that living in a small apartment, where he couldn't go out, was getting difficult for him. He'd spend hours just staring outside, begging Sarah with his eyes and miaows to be allowed to go out. But when Sarah became pregnant, it seemed to act as a bit of a catalyst in making her decision for Darcy. It was a very difficult decision, and she was so sorry to see him go, but they just couldn't give him the life he wanted. With a small baby around, he'd be getting even less attention. Happily, a friend of Sarah's took Darcy in. She has a large house with lots of land, and lots of cats. He felt a little lost at first, but has settled in nicely now, and just loves his new home, running around all over the place, and playing with his new cat family.

Honi seemed to blossom again once Darcy had gone. I didn't know her before Darcy came, but she'd always been quite quiet and withdrawn whenever I went to look after them. What a difference though, the first time I visited her once she was on her own again!! I didn't realise before how much confidence she'd lost, but it became quite apparent when I met this new talkative, lively, friendly cat!

We were all a little concerned then as to how she'd react to a new baby in the house, having had a few months to get used to being focus of attention again. Well, we needn't have worried. She's lovely with Archie, not at all threatened, and not acting with any jealousy at all. She goes to smell him, and she can spend ages just watching him, completely spellbound. It's just when his crying reaches crescendo pitch that she decides she needs to go somewhere quieter. But she's still as talkative and confident as ever, and I think she's just waiting until he grows a bit and she can get to know him better.

How lovely!

PS – the picture above is of Honi doing her favourite thing – rolling around on the floor wearing bags that have had the ends and handles cut off!

Cat Wisdom

Those of us who have cats as part of our lives appreciate the depths of their souls. They seem to be such wise creatures who have been around for a long time. In terms of character they vary so much – very different to the often touted and easily accepted view that all cats are aloof and selfish. We know there's so much more to them than that.

It's been that way for a long time. Originally revered as gods, to becoming seen as evil in the middle ages, they're now very popular as pets and part of the family. True, there are those who just don't get cats, and some are still fearful and wary of them. But they've carved a niche in our psyches all through the ages, and many famous, and not so famous people have had plenty to say. I got interested in searching out wisdoms related to cats, and thought you'd enjoy reading them. Some are fun and will make you laugh, others will make you think.....

I love cats because I love my home, and little by little, they become its visible soul. Jean Cocteau

Of all animals, the cat alone attains to the contemplative life. He regards the wheel of existence from without, like the Buddha. Andrew Lang

In the beginning, God created man, but seeing him so feeble, He gave him the cat. Warren Eckstein

Some people say that cats are sneaky, evil and cruel. True, but they have many other fine qualities as well. Missy Dizick

The purity of a person's heart can be measured by how they regard cats. Anonymous

Cats are the ultimate narcissists. You can tell this by the amount of time they spend on personal grooming. Dogs aren't like this. A dog's idea of grooming is to roll in a dead fish. James Gorman

When you come upon your cat, deep in meditation, staring thoughtfully at something you can't see, just remember that your cat is, in fact, running the universe. Bonni Elizabeth Hall

Loneliness is comforted by the closeness and touch of fur to fur, skin to skin – or skin to fur. Paul Gallico

Cats are a mysterious kind of folk. There is more passing in their minds than we are aware of. Sir Walter Scott

Thousands of years ago cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this. Unknown

In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him. Dereke Rita

After scolding one's cat, one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word. And has filed it for reference. Charlotte Gray

The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat. Jules Reynard

May the great galactic kitten always purr you to sleep. Anonymous

What greater gift than the love of a cat? Charles Dickens

Time spent with cats is never wasted. Collette

Everything a cat is and does physically, is to me beautiful, lovely, stimulating, soothing, attractive and an enchantment. Paul Gallico

You can't own a cat. The best you can do is be partners. Sir Harry Swanson

If you have some of your own favourites, please share them with us all.....

Kora - Fingers Crossed!!

By now regular readers will feel they know Kora personally. I've written about her a couple of times now - the last time when sadly her new home didn't work out. But thankfully that was nothing to do with her!! She'd settled in very well, but her new carer was taken ill suddenly, and had to go into hospital. (I have no news as to how the lady is, but wish her well.)

So, I was back to visiting her again at Animals in Distress, and bless her - she coped very well. Clearly it's a familiar environment, where she knows everyone, and is taken good care of. But it's not home, and obviously doesn't compare with a warm bed by the radiator!!

Anyway, this time it didn't take long before someone else took a shine to her - I was so excited for her again, but resisted the urge to tell you all the good news until she'd been in her new home for a few weeks. She has a lovely new family now, and reports are good, once again. She appears to be happy and enjoying her newest home - so let's all hope that this is now her forever home. She certainly deserves it.

Animals in Distress Open Day and Christmas Fair

Just wanted to let everyone know that Animals in Distress are holding an Open Day and Christmas Fair at their sanctuary in Irlam this coming Sunday (6th December) - between 10am - 4pm.

If you've got some time to spare, please come down to support this charity who depend on every penny they receive. At the same time, if you've anything that can be used as bedding for the animals (old blankets, towels, duvets, pillows, etc), please bring it along. Likewise, if your pet has turned fussy and you have food he won't now eat, or any toys the cats and dogs can play with - it's all very welcome!!

I know I keep banging on about it, but they are a small, local, independent charity that works incredibly hard to provide a good life for the animals in their care. They don't have access to the sort of publicity, and therefore the donations that the larger charities are able to elicit. They really do depend on the goodwill and generosity of the local public, and that never stops.

Looking forward to seeing you there (and praying for decent weather!!).