Want a pedigree cat? Here’s what to know

Originally posted at FearFreePets.com.

More than 30 years ago, I said to my husband, “Someday I’d like a gray kitty – a Russian Blue.” Armed with an issue of Cat Fancy, he found a breeder in New Jersey and we traveled two-plus hours to pick up Ashley, my first Russian Blue. Thus began a love affair that continues to this day and recently culminated with Sofiya, who hails from the Netherlands.

The question arises: Given all the cats in shelters, what attracts people to a pedigree cat? All cats are wonderful, but there can be good reasons to purchase a cat of a specific breed.

Read more here.

Why Is My Cat Eating Litter?

w-ings / iStock / Getty Images

Reprinted from my article in The Spruce Pets.

Cats may eat litter—and other undesirable materials—for a variety of reasons. This behavior is referred to as pica, the eating of non-food items.

Continue reading at The Spruce Pets.

 

When was your cat’s last checkup?

Oblivious.

Mollie had her checkup in June. She’s maintained the same weight for several years and her bloodwork is normal for a “senior” cat. (Hard to believe at 8 years old, she’s considered a senior cat.) Her teeth have always been so-so; she had a dental last year and this year her teeth were deemed “mediocre.”

Welcome Stormy. And Good bye.

Stormy in her new home.

After I lost Celica Blue, I was ambivalent about adopting another cat. Losing her had taken the stuffing out of me, emotionally and financially. We love all our cats, but there are those who wind themselves around your heartstrings; Celica Blue was one of those cats.

So, I wasn’t really looking for another kitty when I stopped by Branford Compassion Club in early March. However, Krista, one of the volunteers, whispered in my ear and said, “There’s a gray kitty over here.”

Celica Blue and Lymphoma: The Journey Ends

Celica Blue on Dec. 13, 2016

On Dec. 22, 2016, exactly six months after she was diagnosed, Celica Blue lost her battle with lymphoma. It’s taken me more than two months to finish her story.

She was the love of my life and brought the most incredible amount of joy in the two short years she was with us.

Celica Blue and Lymphoma: A Bump in the Road

You take my photo with a flash and I’ll squint.

After a pretty good honeymoon period, we’ve hit a bump in the road.

Celica Blue was due for her sixth chemo treatment in this round, Doxorubicin, this week. I noticed earlier in the week that she was drinking water, just three times over two days or so, but it was unlike her; she never drinks water. She was also acting just a tad punky.

Celica Blue and Lymphoma: Her Oncology Team

Waiting

We’ve been shuttling back and forth to Central Hospital a couple of times a month since June 20 when a late-night emergency visit led to Celica Blue’s lymphoma diagnosis.

We’ve got it down to a science. Well, it’s science that’s saving her life right now.

Celica Blue and Lymphoma: Remission in Sight?

Going into the sixth round of chemo – the latest on Aug. 31 – Celica Blue continues to be the perfect cat.

Celica Blue and Lymphoma: The New Normal

Lookin’ good!

Celica Blue had her fourth chemo treatment this week. This time it was back to Vincristine, which was the first in the “CHOP” protocol.

Her white blood cell count had been a bit low, so we postponed the chemo for a few days to allow it to rise, which it did. However, Dr. Olmsted was thrilled with her progress. Her weight is fine, appetite and activity level are normal. She said she could barely feel the mass and said it was around 2 cm, down from 7.

Celica Blue and Lymphoma: The Journey Begins

This is the hardest post I’ve had to write. Celica Blue, the love of my life, has been diagnosed with lymphoma.

It started Monday, June 20, when she threw up her breakfast. She was rather lethargic during the day, then she experienced pain when her tummy was palpated, and refused dinner.