Tonks Tuesday with an Orange Boy Cameo

Hello and happy Tuesday, friends! Today, Tonks is enjoying some sunshine with her best brother, Evan.

Tonks, Evan, and all of us here want to thank you all for the purrs and prayers you sent Evan's way yesterday! Though we haven't gotten Evan's bloodwork results back yet, his vet is almost positive that Evan's current urinary issues are not caused by anything like kidney disease or diabetes. The vet said that Evan looks great, his urine is concentrated, there are no sugars in it, and all that good stuff.

All that said, Evan yet again has a urinary tract infection (UTI). Evan's vet is actually wondering if the infection he had back when he was also hospitalized for his urethral obstruction never got fully wiped out by the antibiotics, and perhaps that is causing his in incredibly frequent and voluminous urination. So, Evan got an antibiotic injection yesterday, the same one that has almost always helped him in the past. For the first time ever, Evan will also be getting a second injection in 10 days. Then he'll have a recheck urinalysis in 20 days. This poor boy pretty much lives at the vet lately, but hopefully with these visits we'll get his UTI fully wiped out.

For anyone curious, Evan has a history of and is simply prone to urinary tract infections because of his hind limb paralysis and his urinary incontinence. Both of those alone will cause a cat to be at higher risk for UTIs, and Evan has both issues going against him. Luckily, though, he's still acting happy and is enjoying sun puddles with his kitty siblings.

Purrs to all!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

One of our previous National Pet Poison Awareness Month tips was on the dangers of medications indeed formulated for our furbabies. We meant to (yet failed to) expand on a particular topic in this regard. That topic is as that of topical preventatives. First and foremost, always ensure that you are giving preventatives specifically formulated for the species at hand. Just one reason for this is that some flea and tick preventatives formulated for dogs are toxic to cats. Many such canine preventatives contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid, to which cats are highly sensitive. Pyrethrin/pyrethroid poisoning can result in excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty walking, or seizures, just to name a few. So, never apply dog preventatives on your kitty.

Also, be careful if your cat lives in a household with a dog who receives preventatives. In such a case, try to look for canine preventatives that do not contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid, or keep the dog and cat separated for a safe amount of time after application. Ask your veterinarian for information on how to keep both your kitty and pup healthy and safe, yet also protected from pests. It's also worth noting that some other forms of flea, tick, or other pest preventatives, such as sprays, may contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid. Always check the label, and only use products that you are certain will not harm your kitties or pups. Again, ask your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns regarding a product's safety.

In addition, know your cat or dog's weight and select preventatives accordingly. Administering a medication intended for a cat or dog larger than yours could have negative effects for the furbaby. Also be aware of their age, as some kittens or puppies, for example, may not yet be of an age deemed safe for the application of some preventatives. What's more, also always take into consideration your furbaby's overall health status. If your cat or dog suffers from any ailments, always discuss with your veterinarian the safety of giving a preventative, or any medication. While we of course want to keep our furry family members safe from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and all sorts of infestations, it is important that we do so safely.