A Birthday Bash and a Nap

Today we're starting with something very important. What's that, you ask? Well, it's birthday wishes for my girl Eddy!

Today we're celebrating Eddy's 4th birthday. Wait. What? Wasn't she just a kitten yesterday?

I guess I shouldn't deny my girl her maturity. Eddy is my sweet ans sassy 4-year-old momma's girl with one heck of a flight response. She's also downright adorable and has the cutest snaggletooth, thanks to facial nerve paralysis she's had since kittenhood.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EDDY!

Of course, all of you friends of ours are more than welcome to join us in the birthday fun and festivities! Eddy is a huge fan of anything fishy, so there's fresh fish for all. And it certainly wouldn't be a party without some nip and naps, so do partake in those as well.

Speaking of naps, that has a a tad bit to do with our contribution for this last day of the A to Z Challenge.

Just as with the previous 25 letters, our alphabetical series of doodles stars my angel Rosie. In this series of doodles, Rosie has gone throughout a more or less routine sort of day, doing this and that, A to Z style. So, on this last day of the A to Z Challenge, what's Rosie doing with the letter Z?

Z is for...Zzzzzzz

As you all certainly know by now, throughout this A to Z Challenge, we're also sharing furbaby photos that in some way correlate with angel Rosie's daily alphabetical adventures. To go along with today's A to Z topic of Zzzzzzz, birthday girl Eddy is sharing a flashback of her enjoying her favorite sleeping spot every night, which is her mom's legs when they're trapped beneath the sheets.

The birthday girl and all of us here wish you a terrific Tuesday! We hope you catch lots of Zzzzzzs today!

***

Our Tip of the Day:

Today's tip is meant to relate to both our A to Z topic of Zzzzzzz as well as with my girl Eddy, since today is indeed her birthday. Somehow, that mixture of ideas led us to the topic of carriers. You see, my girl Eddy has a lifelong fear of that dreaded carrier. As a kitten, she was trapped out in the country by a local rescue group. Shortly thereafter, she developed severe neurological signs, including spinning in circles, tipping over when walking, a significant head tilt, and facial nerve paralysis. One of the top guesses for why she suddenly developed these signs within hours of being trapped is that the trap potentially hit her in the head and injured her. Eddy has since recovered from the majority of her symptoms, save for an adorable head tilt and facial nerve paralysis, but she has maintained a crippling fear of any and all cages and carriers.

In honor of Eddy, we're here to give you some reminders to help combat fear of the carrier as best as possible. First and foremost, try to keep the carrier out year round, 24/7. This can help to prevent the carrier from becoming a source of fear and flight at the sight of it, such as when it is brought out for an impending vet visit. What's more, try to turn the carrier into something fun or cozy. You can try putting a blanket or bed in the carrier, to turn the carrier into a place for relaxing and napping. You can also make the carrier a place where treats are given, or even a place where canned food or other goodies are fed. Toys can also be placed or tossed into a carrier during playtime, to make it a more fun place to be.

It is also important to note that type of carrier might be an important factor as well. For example, does your cat seem fearful of the size or sounds of a plastic carrier? If so, perhaps instead try using a mesh or cloth carrier. That being said, also keep in mind your cat's safety. For example, if your cat has a tendency to scratch at their carrier, especially if in a highly determined manner, then consider whether a carrier made of mesh or cloth will keep them safely enclosed and contained.

There are still more options that can be considered when it comes to visiting the vet with a fearful cat. For example, you can look into the possibility of at-home visits from a veterinarian. There are also of course sedatives that veterinarian can prescribe to help calm a kitty for a vet visit. If in doubt about your kitty's comfort and safety when preparing and traveling for a vet visit, or other destination, of course consult your veterinarian.