Mancat Monday: Playtime with Floppy-Eared Evan

This weekend, Evan played. He played with some toys. That was the first time he's done this since he developed an upper respiratory infection and then an aural (ear) hematoma back in January.

I cannot even express how much relief and happiness I felt when Evan started playing.

Evan's upper respiratory infection resolved weeks ago, but the still healing hematoma in his right ear has left him simply not acting like his usual self. He's slowly been regaining his old ways every day, but this weekend I really saw the light at the end of this hematoma tunnel.

You can't really see it in these photos, but Evan's hematoma is still present, though much smaller than before. The healing process is leaving his ear still floppy and wrinkled, but it's getting better and Evan is way less bothered by it these days. I cannot wait until it's fully healed. I don't care what his ear looks like after all this is said and done, as long as it doesn't bother him. I just want him feeling all better and fully like himself again.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Doodle of the Day

This weekend, I finally scanned a hefty handful of doodles I've scribbled up recently. They're all wintry in nature, and it's going to feel strange sharing them over the next week. After all, we're expecting multiple 70°F days this week, and yet these doodles star lots of snow. But it's technically still winter, so it is what it is.

Today's doodle is yet another one I scribbled up when Evan's ear hematoma was at its worst. Drawing these for some reason helped me cope with my poor boy's condition. So, here you go.

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Tip of the Day

Since we've been giving a variety of food tips, today we figured we'd give a quick reminder on how to transition your cat to a new food. This is something that might be needed if your cat's usual food is discontinued, if a cat develops a health condition that requires a special diet, or other such reasons. If a kitty is transitioned to a new food too quickly, a variety of gastrointestinal issues could possibly result, vomiting and diarrhea included. For this reason, it's generally recommended that you transition from the old food to the new food over a span of seven days or so.

To transition your cat to a new food, you can start by adding a small amount of the new food to the old food on the first day. Then, of course, you add more and more of the new food each day. On the final day of the transition, your kitty's food bowl will contain only the new food. Of course, when changing foods, keep in mind your particular kitty's overall status. If your cat is a finicky eater, whether by nature or due to age or an ailment, you may have to do a slower transition over a longer period of time, in order for them to accept the new food. In other cases, such as if your kitty is having adverse reactions to their current food, a more rapid or immediate transition might be necessary. This is of course something to discuss with your veterinarian. During any transition, of course keep an eye out for any adverse reactions. Alert your veterinarian of any concerns you have, and stop or slow the food transition as needed or as instructed if issues arise.