Please Send Your Good Thoughts

[AmberGretchen]

for my sweet darling Gretchen kitty (I put a picture of her when she still had her enormous partly-grown-kitten ears below - she is such an incredible sweetheart). She somehow managed to get her back paw tangled in a string from the blinds at our apartment. I don''t know how long she was stuck like that (she was practically hanging from it) but I rushed her to the e-vet as soon as I got home. They said she seems like she''ll be fine, the leg''s very swollen but they didn''t think broken. They are keeping her overnight for pain relief and observation.

I feel like such an awful kitty mommy. Normally we''re good about getting those strings where kitties can''t play with them when we''re not here, but this one somehow was hanging down (in fact DH usually teases me about how paranoid I am about our kitties and their safety). This cat is my little princess - when we first got her she wouldn''t let anyone near her, and now she is one of the sweetest kitties I know, especially with me. Even tonight when she was in so much pain, the vet techs all said how sweet she was and one of them said when she took her out of her cage, Gretchen hugged her with her paws. She''s even
adopted" the new kitten and has been taking care of him and playing with him and grooming him and snuggling with him, which is so sweet.

Please send thoughts and/or prayers that my sweet baby kitty is feeling better, isn''t in pain, and will be able to come home in the morning. I''m worried sick and I feel horribly guilty, and I hope that she at least isn''t feeling any pain and will recover quickly.

Thanks.

Picture of my darling baby girl:

 

[Miranda]

Ohhhh, best wishes to your sweet kitty. I hope she is doing well at the vet. She sounds like such a sweet kitty. Hugs and pets to kitty.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Thanks Miranda (incidentally, that''s my best friend''s name too). She is such a sweet kitty - she still get scared of strangers sometimes, especially men, but she is truly one of the sweetest kitties I''ve ever had. Thank you so much for the good thoughts.

 

[Lorelei]

Amber - of course good thoughts and prayers out to you and your baby. They tear at your heart so, sometimes as much as we try to protect them from harm, it doesn''t always work. Please try not to feel bad, you are a great kitty Mom and you always do the best for your baby! I know she will be fine!

 

[Dee*Jay]

Big hugs and good vibes coming your way for both you and the kitty. And don''t feel like a bad mom; our little furry creatures get into crazy situations that you could never forsee or control (remember The Demon Dog falling in the river?!?) and it''s absolutely not your fault.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Thank you so much Lorelei and DeeJay. At this point the guilt has faded a little - it helped that even the vet called it a "freak thing." In any case those strings are now tied up way more securely, courtesy of DH and our rubber band collection. The vet called around 10pm Cali time last night to say she was doing better - that the pain meds had fully kicked in and she seemed more relaxed, and that her x-ray didn''t show anything broken or dislocated. So we leave in about 30 minutes to go pick her up, and I''m going to stay home with her all day today and spoil/pamper her like there''s no tomorrow - treats, a new blanket (if DH can get it because I''m not leaving her), all the food she wants, and anything else I can think of to make it easier for my little girl.

Thanks again for the kind thoughts/words - please keep sending those thoughts our way for a speedy recovery for my sweet kitty.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Amber, I just remembered this story that someone told me about their basset hound. The dog was 16 years old, blind, deaf, and rarely moved off her bed except to eat and go outside. The couple went out for the evening and when they came back the dog was missing. They found her under their desk literally hanging by her neck tangled in the cords from the computer, printer, and other stuff. They have no idea how she got under there or what she was doing, but it was a total freak accident. Fortunately the dog was fine, but you just never know what sorts of crazy things our babies are doing while we''re gone, LOL.

 

[Lorelei]

Thoughts and prayers continue! I am glad Dee and I were able to help a little. Honestly, you were not to blame, these things do happen and all you can do is to try to minimise danger as best you can and that is what you did. Who would have thought she would get tangled up in that? I know how you are feeling, it is so natural to beat yourself up when these things happen - but she will be ok and thank God it wasn''t worse! She is a lucky girl to have you for her Mommy!!! Maybe when you can read Dee''s story about the DDog in the river, as she said our pets can get into these situations we can''t control. Hugs and I look forward to hearing about all the pampering going your kitty''s way!

 

[Catmom]

Ohhh, what a sweetie! Many positive thoughts and head boinks are coming your kitty''s way! I hope that she feels better soon. Please try not to feel too guilty. Cats can get into so much mischief and there is only so much you can do to keep them safe! It was a freak accident and even though you feel guilty I''m positive your kitty knows that you love her and do your best for her.

 

[diamondsrock]

oh my goodness your kitty is absolutely adorable! I''m sure she''ll be back to normal soon and will enjoy all the extra pampering you wil give her. Please don''t blame yourself! This was a freak thing. You sound like a very caring, thoughtful owner. Hugs to kitty!

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Hoping for a speedy recovery for your dear cat.

 

[ellaila]

Here''s sending little Gretchen hugs and kitty treats!!

 

[AmberGretchen]

Thank you so much everyone - I will pass on all the hugs and kisses to Gretchen as soon as she is less freaked out. We just got her home, and she''s still pretty terrified from the vet and stuff. Her back leg/paw is very swollen, but she has a good appetite (she''s been gobbling the food my DH set out for her - she usually just nibbles a little at a time, so she must be very hungry). Once she''s a little more calm I''m going to try to give her some of her pain meds. For right now though, I think she''s doing as well as can be expected - I''m very encouraged by the good appetite, that has to be a good sign, right?

I really appreciate all the good thoughts more than I can say. I will keep you all updated on her recovery.

 

[Lorelei]

Try not to worry - she sounds like she is behaving quite normally after her ordeal! Just try to keep her quiet and let her settle in a bit if you can time it before you give her the pain meds. The appetite is a good sign! If she had an anesthetic for xray or other procedures, don't let her eat too much yet, but get back to her normal diet gradually. Hang in there, it sounds as if you have things well under control!

 

[AmberGretchen]

Thanks lorelei. She does seem to be settling in OK. After she had settled in one spot for a while and was consistently receptive to petting I tried the lowest dose of pain meds and she took it without any problem. I''m try to figure out how to tell if she''s still in discomfort though. Any tips? I don''t want to give her too much pain meds but I don''t want her to be uncomfortable either.

I asked at the vet about the food and they said to give her anything she wants. We feed a very high quality dry food (Innova) and she was very enthusiastic about that. I''ve also been giving her some feline greenies treats, and those are a big hit as well. DH and I were thinking we might even get sushi delivered tonight and order her some sashimi to nibble (who me, spoil my kitties...

)

 

[anchor31]

Aw... sending hugs and healing vibes to your kitty!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/16/2006 12:16:48 PM
Author: AmberGretchen
Thanks lorelei. She does seem to be settling in OK. After she had settled in one spot for a while and was consistently receptive to petting I tried the lowest dose of pain meds and she took it without any problem. I'm try to figure out how to tell if she's still in discomfort though. Any tips? I don't want to give her too much pain meds but I don't want her to be uncomfortable either.

I asked at the vet about the food and they said to give her anything she wants. We feed a very high quality dry food (Innova) and she was very enthusiastic about that. I've also been giving her some feline greenies treats, and those are a big hit as well. DH and I were thinking we might even get sushi delivered tonight and order her some sashimi to nibble (who me, spoil my kitties...

)

A few years ago, one of my cats had to have a hind leg amputated

He needed some heavy duty pain relief, for me it was a case as it is for you, of knowing your cat. Keep to the prescribed schedule of meds, especially at the moment, as there might well be an anti - inflammatory component to the painkillers which will help the soft tissue swelling and pain. You will be able to tell if she is in too much discomfort, it is hard to explain but you will notice by her posture and expressions if she is uncomfortable. However, you don't want her bouncing around on painfree legs so some pain and swelling is a good thing to help her heal. Maybe ECF the vet will see this thread and be able to give you some reassurance too!

 

[AmberGretchen]

Thanks anchor.

And thanks again Lorelei. I''ve given her 1.5 out of a possible 2.0 ml I can give her, and she''s definitely loopy so I''m going to hold off on more. She continues to have a terrific appetite - she''s eating way more than normal (the vet said she didn''t really eat last night so I guess its to be expected). She seems OK but not great - she is staying still a fair amount but she doesn''t seem to be sleeping much so far. DH thought maybe that was OK since she probably slept a lot at the vet last night from all the meds, but I''m a bit worried. She is also being super-affectionate and borderline clingy for her, so I''m trying to give her lots of attention and affection (while fending off the kitten with my other hand). The kitten is being a PITA, he doesn''t really understand what''s going on, but I''m hoping he''ll simmer down soon too. I''d shut him up but then he cries and that was upsetting her before.

Anyway I thought everyone might like to see a picture of the poor little invalid. Her hind paw really is that swollen poor thing, its not a camera distortion. I feel so bad - I just wish there was more I could do for her!

 

[Lorelei]

Oh bless her! I often find they are so pleased to be home from the vets that they fight sleep for a while in some cases, they just want to be awake and reintegrate and eat etc. Give her some time and keep things as quiet as you can - as you are doing, then she should relax once the meds kick in a bit and go to sleep. I am thinking it is about lunchtime where you are? Save the rest of the meds for this evening, but if you are in any way worried, your vet is only a phone call away, but I think she will do fine.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Thanks lorelei - isn''t she a cutie pie? I swear she has enough personality for 3 cats when she''s feeling herself. I really appreciate the reassurance - its just so hard not to worry when its your baby, as I''m sure you know. I may call the vet to check in and make sure they got her records from the e-vet anyway - our vet is usually good about calling us and following up the next day anyway, but it never hurts to be sure.

 

[Kaleigh]

Oh she is sooo cute. Sending healing vibes her way.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Oh fooey--so sorry for your adorable furball''s injury. Love her colors! Hope she is on the mend!

cheers--Sharon

 

[AmberGretchen]

Thanks Kaleigh and Sharon.

I love her colors too - I''m totally biased, but I think she''s one of the prettiest calicos I''ve ever seen

Right now, though, I''m working on keeping the kitten away from her - its turning into a full time job all by itself. He just can''t understand why she doesn''t want to play....

 

[IrishAngel7982]

I''m so sorry about your kitty Amber. She is a beauty. I think it''s good that she''s taking it easy (not walking around a lot.) That poor leg has got to be tender! But a good appetite is ALWAYS a good sign!!!

 

[AmberGretchen]

Thanks IrishAngel.

I''m sure everyone will be pleased to know that I talked to the vet and he said everything sounds fine. She is finally sleeping too - stretched out right next to me on the couch purring

Thanks so much everyone again for your support - keep sending those good thoughts, and hopefully the swelling in her little paw (the only thing the vet was really concerned about at this stage) will go down soon.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 11/16/2006 6:01:30 PM
Author: AmberGretchen
Thanks IrishAngel.

I''m sure everyone will be pleased to know that I talked to the vet and he said everything sounds fine. She is finally sleeping too - stretched out right next to me on the couch purring

Thanks so much everyone again for your support - keep sending those good thoughts, and hopefully the swelling in her little paw (the only thing the vet was really concerned about at this stage) will go down soon.

Yay!!! Thanks for the update!!! You''re such a good kitty mommy!!

 

[AmberGretchen]

Aww...thanks Kaleigh. I certainly try to be. I''m just so relieved that she finally seems to be resting comfortably. Of course, now I''m afraid to disturb here, so I''m sitting here starving

(well not really, just really hungry).

I do try to be a good kitty mommy - they are totally my babies. This one especially - when we first got her she wouldn''t let anyone near her, and it took months (literally) of gentle coaxing and patience to bring her out of her shell. She''s still shy around strangers but she''s a complete love to me and DH and I think it speaks volumes that when she''s hurting where she wants to be is snuggled up next to mommy

 

[Lorelei]

How is she today?

 

[AmberGretchen]

Hi Lorelei - thanks for checking in.

She seems better today tempermentally - she''s more relaxed, more resistant to taking her medicine (which I figured was a good sign that she''s more fiesty), she seems to be sleeping more and in more her usual spots. Its hard to judge but I think her little paw seems a bit less swollen, although its not as much of an improvement as I''d like to see. I have to call the vet later to check in and I''ll see what they say. She is still very affectionate (as usual) and her appetite seems to be back to normal. She''s also putting more weight on the paw. So overall, I think the news is very positive, I''m just still a bit concerned about the swelling, but as I said, I''ll wait and see what the vet says. Thanks so much for checking in though - I''ll keep updating as relevant.

 

[Beacon]

I hope your kitty feels much better very soon. I am sure she''ll be ok. Very scary thing to happen!

I have a question about your blind''s strings. Are they all three hanging loose from each other or are they connected at one point with a little bracket?

I ask cause once my bird (in avatar) flew into the strings and they had that little bracket. He tangled his wing in there and he was hanging! I was right there and grabbed him to support him so his wing would not break. He was screaming and I was screaming - it was bad!

Lucky he was not injured. Later we got new blinds and I noticed they did not have that bracket connecting the strings together, but all three strings hung separate. I wondered if this was a new safety feature in the blinds.

Which kind are yours?