Mancat Monday: Dreaded Vet Day

After a weekend of crashing computers and dying appliances, we are here. I truly, truly hope that is the last missed weekend on our blog. Weekend posts are some of my favorite, and the past few weekends have just been duds here on our end.

Now, though, it's Monday, and that means Mancat Monday. So, are you ready for you some Evan?

This sleepy boy is going to the vet for his annual exam and senior bloodwork today.

I'll probably have to wake him up from a nap just to shove him in that dreaded carrier and cart him off. Sorry, Evan. I promise it's for your own good.

I always get nervous before my furbabies' annual exams and bloodwork, as I always fear what could but hopefully won't be found. Evan has been having slightly increased vomiting lately, especially after he drinks. He only vomits something like once every one to two weeks, but given that he vomited all of two or three times in his entire first 8 years of life, the fact that he does so on somewhat of a schedule now does concern me. He also started having bowel issues earlier this year, which I believe I mentioned way back when. He was seen for it back when it all started happening and underwent all sorts of tests, but nothing abnormal was found. He's still occasionally having these issues, though, so I'll be continuing the discussion with our vet on Evan's intestinal issues.

All of the above said, I do have to remember that Evan is my hind limb paralyzed boy. Things have never been what you call normal with him. He used to never have urinary incontinence, but he developed that a couple of years ago, very likely as a lingering result of his hind limb paralysis. As he gets older, there are things that might just start arising because of the things that make him so special. I can handle that, as long as it's something he and I can deal with together. I'll stop the nervous rambling now.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Our series of tips relating to Thanksgiving food safety of course must include a little discussion on turkey. Is it safe to feed your kitty or pup some Thanksgiving turkey? Turkey bits fed in moderation can be a safe and delicious treat, but only as long as excess fat and bones are removed. Fat can lead to pancreatitis, among other potential issues. Bones are a choking hazard, and of course can also lead to perforation or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Also keep in mind whether any additional ingredients, seasonings, or other additives were used when cooking the turkey. For example, onion, garlic, or excess salt on the turkey could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset or other dangers. So, you don't have to skip giving your furbaby a taste of that Thanksgiving turkey, but do be sure you offer treats only in moderation, and that you take precautions for the health and safety of your furbaby.

In addition to that Thanksgiving turkey, another food you might find on the Thanksgiving table is ham. Is this safe to feed your furbaby, though? Ham, like turkey potentially can be, is often high in fat. Ham is also often processed or treated, and can possibly contain high amounts of salt. These factors can lead to any number of issues, such as gastrointestinal distress or pancreatitis, if consumed in excess by your kitty or pup. And, just as we've said of other Thanksgiving foods, also be aware of other potentially concerning ingredients added to ham, such as onion and garlic. While very small amounts might not have an effect for some furbabies, do be aware of the potential side effects that fatty, processed, treated, or seasoned ham can cause.

It's also worth noting to be aware of the contents and preparation of chicken, beef, and all meats served at your Thanksgiving dinner. These can all potentially contain problematic fat, or additives such as onion, garlic, salt, and so forth. To prevent pancreatitis, gastrointestinal distress, or other issues, either refrain from giving your furbaby a taste at all, or give treats only in moderation and only when you are certain that the food contains no potentially dangerous components.