Post by Honeylioness on Nov 21, 2008 13:16:23 GMT -5
01 August 2008
I have been waiting all day to get home to share this! Onyx talked to me this morning! As i was putting out the bowls of cat food I was so focused on TJ's yowling (his Pavarotti imitation-range and volume are spot on but he lacks a bit in diction) that I didn't realize that gentle squeak was Miss Onyx. So then we squeaked back and forth for a few times and she stayed about four feet away from me. When I would not get up and move she decided to sneak around behind the glider to get to the wet food TJ had left, which meant she was eating about 2.5 feet away from me. I'm counting this morning as major success even if I know we will backslide some, too. I find it amazing that I started this process only four weeks ago!
When I put out the evening portion of dry food I rattled the bowl, and lickety split, there was Miss Onyx. Of course she wouldn't come out from under the ramp to eat until I went inside. Almost as soon as I had the screen closed she was there for dinner.
02 August 2008
On most days when I go to the kitchen to start my day I will find TJ Kitty on the deck lying across the threshold (he learned how to open the screen door years ago) with his nose pressed to the glass. I guess to verify that I am correctly preparing HIS breakfast. As I walked past the hallway window overlooking the deck this morning I had to do a double take. Miss Onyx was laying in the doorway in TJ's usual position! Of course she retreated as I brought the food out, but only about four feet. She sat there and talked to me again this morning for a bit as TJ ignored both of us and just gobbled his food. When she finally ate I learned that she is a nibbler, no wonder she is so slim and trim while sharing with TJ. When she is finished you needed to look twice to see if you need to wash that bowl or is it a clean bowl.
02 August 2008
Onyx update: She lazed around and under the deck most of the day. When I brought out the evening food she climbed UP three steps. Well, actually, she lumbered up the steps and then hobbled about four steps closer to me. We talked to each other for a while but she still wouldn't eat as long as I was on the deck. The more I observe her up close, and not in flight mode, I realize that her left leg is the most useless. I think her right leg isn't that great either. Together they really impair her balance. It is amazing she has lasted this long. I wish she would be friendly so I could take her to the vet. I don't know if she will be able to survive the winter unless she gets trusting enough to come inside. Of course, that would mean I may have to deal with cat litter- TJ refuses to go inside unless we are having a blizzard. I guess we will see what will be.
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle
Message #264
08/03/08 10:55 PM
SES_ Let's keep our fingers crossed for a long, warm autumn to give Miss Onyx sufficient trust time. Yes, that's a worry with her back legs like that. I'm honestly not sure what a vet could do. There is a neurological problem of some kind, and at the least, she'd need a full scan. One of my DSis's cats had hip dysplasia which was probably from a difficult birth. Bups lived out a full, happy, adored life span, but his gait was stiff-legged and lurching. He did manage all functions including kitty litter, albeit with some modifications. Have you determined her age? I'm thinking that if you can get her spayed, at that time perhaps the vet can assess Miss Onyx's ortho situation. Is there a teaching veterinary hospital withing drivable distance you can entice to work with her? I know you're not there yet...she'd have to be more or less tricked into a pet carrier...a daunting task at the best of times.
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Sharing I think Onyx is about a year old. I'm just hoping she doesn't have a litter before I can do anything. I'm afraid she may not be able to deliver. I'm very anxious to get her to a vet. The closest teaching hospital is about 400 miles away, so that is really a last resort. As long as this isn't life threatening. I don't know what I will do.
I just stepped out onto the deck to comb out my wet hair and Onyx was there just lazing on the other side of the deck. She didn't run or even tense up, just rolled over and blinked at me. She didn't even run when I got up to come inside! Baby steps in all things.
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle
Message #268
08/03/08 11:33 PM
SES_ Hmm. I would agree with you whole-heartedly. In that case, is it possible to determine if she has been spayed? I think I recall that you said her prior family had done some shots, etc. I'm guessing that she may have been spayed if she is not pg and she is a year old. That's the good news. You're right. I agree that spaying is the numero uno need. If you can't get that info, then she will need to be brought to the vet and that would be the first priority. Gosh. Looks like Miss Onyx belongs to you, SES_! Are you concerned that she'll hold the capture-spaying against you and will disappear once back home? There aren't guarantees, but the experience of others (other BFF in MB) has been good. Miss Onyx would be recuperating inside for a few days post surgery, too out of it to put up a fight, though she may be disoriented. Are there neighbours who can provide better knowledge of her life before your adoption of her?
SES_Books
Message #271
08/04/08 08:21 AM
Sharing I'm not too concerned about her resenting me for the "capture". My BFF and I have a routine. If her cats have to visit the vet I capture them and if mine have to go she captures mine. Of course afterwards TJ is so glad the ordeal is over he practically dashes into his carrier ready to get out of there.
04 August 2008
Are you ready for a little good news? My BFF came over for a visit this evening and as we were sitting on the deck Onyx came home and started talking to us. Eventually she got close enough for my BFF to touch her then eventually pet her. Onyx even allowed her to bring her onto the main part of the deck and sit with her in her lap. Onyx even stayed calm when I brought over the bowl of wet cat food smeared it over my fingers and she licked it right up. Then she let me pet her. It feels like living velvet-not the cheap cotton velvet but dense luxurious silk velvet. She didn't purr but she was relaxed enough to keep her claws retracted. When my BFF set her on the floor to eat she nibbled and then wound around my feet and stretched her head up for some scratching all on her own initiative. She is such a sweetie. We are going to try again tomorrow and hopefully we can get her into a carrier and to the vet soon. During all this attention being lavished on Onyx, TJ just sat beside me washing his butt showing no concern at all. It was one month ago today I started working with Onyx. I think her version of baby steps and mine may be different.
I really need to get a life if I get this excited when a cat lets me touch her. I'm going to bed early so I can get up early and try to spend more time with her.
05 August 2008
Just fed Onyx a whole can of fancy feast, I even pushed TJ aside when he wanted to help her. For this treatment Onyx allowed me to pet her a bit and scratch her chin. As it is still daylight I got a good look at her up close. She seems to have something wrong with her fur between her eyes and ears, the fur seems thinner and a bit scruffy. I can't wait to get her to the vet.
I wasn't sure if I'd even see her tonight. She came up to the deck about 5:30 pm, way earlier than usual, then the lawn crew showed up to mow the lawn, for the first time in five weeks since it has been so dry here. The noise or maybe strange people scared her off. I was sort of surprised to see her again at 7:30. She is still there. I'll check in on her later.
06 August 2008
ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!!! Onyx allowed me to pet her and pick her up this evening. I held her and pet her for about five minutes and -wait for it *drum roll, please* SHE PURRED! Then she realized she was being held and not on the deck and panicked. As soon as I set her down she started to wind around my feet, and nudge at my hand. Sharing, I got a better look at the patchy area and it does look like it might have been mites. I'm not sure but it might be scar tissue. I hope not.
Ombud a feral cat is basically an abandoned, neglected or runaway cat or kittens of the same who have not been socialized around people. I don't know that their meows would be different or not ( maybe like children have the accents of those around them). As for the milk or cream, is Starv skinny and needs the extra calories? Or is s/he just like us and wanting the good stuff whether it is good for us or not. Be happy that s/he likes dry food. My cousin, the veterinarian, says it is better for them. Onyx is starting to turn up her nose at dry, unless TJ has already cleaned up the wet and he left nothing but dry.
07 August 2008
Onyx Update - both cats met me on the deck, giving me their dinner orders. As I was dumping cat food into bowls Onyx took about two steps into the house to check things out while the door was open. Ran back out as I brought out the good stuff. She cleaned her bowl and sat and looked at me until I picked her up for a little petting. Getting better every day. I stopped at the vet on the way home for TJ's meds and asked about bringing Onyx in whenever I can catch her. Sometime after the 19th as the doctor will be out of town until then. That just gives me more time to get friendly. I'd like to do it on a Friday so I can be home with her over the weekend.
08 August 2008
I think I may have messed myself up. Miss Onyx has definitely decided wet cat food is better than dry. This morning I put out TJ's food with all of his meds artfully hidden in it. I put the dry food I had been feeding Miss Onyx down. He started chowing down with gusto, she daintily sniffed the dry and wobbled directly to TJ's bowl and started to eat. He stepped back with the most baffled look on his face. I scooped Miss Onyx up and held her while he went back to eating. I eventually put her down and she headed right back to his food, so I picked her up and held her again. We repeated this dance until TJ had finished all the food with meds in it then I quit but Miss Onyx didn't. Looks like I'll be spending more on Fancy Feast than I had planned. Maybe just at breakfast since that is when he gets his meds. This evening while I was preparing their dinner she actually came in and explored the kitchen. I think she is not a stranger to being inside.
10 August 2008
Beej you are right about Onyx thinking she is BOSS. Which ever bush TJ chose to relax under today within minutes she was following him. Then this evening when I was doing some cooking and housekeeping before the company tomorrow because it was too hot and humid during the day(90*+43%--I know, I know those of you east and south of me have permission to laugh at the wuss) anyway when ever I would step out with trash, just to sit a moment or to take a phone call she would come bounding(?) up the steps to talk to me and demand to go inside. Earlier today she slipped in for about 30 minutes before she scared herself and ran to get out. Once she even hissed and swiped at TJ while he was snoozing in front of the door. She has to realize TJ is top cat or she is not staying. He is so tired of being followed today that he is sleeping inside. This is not normal unless there is snow on the ground.
It is late and I'm done refereeing, I need to get some sleep before tomorrow. Check in later.
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I may have created a monster. Onyx is really being mean to TJ. She follows him and tries to pounce and attack him, he manages to get away but the expression on his face is soooo confused. I think he is afraid to come in the house if she is between him and the door. I have been petting him all day and not her, feeding him first and everything. He just comes and curls up under my chair and watches her. I picked her up to give him a chance to get inside and she starts purring and rubbing all over my chin "claiming" me. When I put her down I guess she wasn't ready because she tried to **** my ankle. I am really running out of ideas. It gets to be when I hear her squeaky little meow (sounds like a rusty gate hinge) I look to see where TJ is cowering. She definitely knows what inside is. She tries to get in every time the door is opened. But not until the vet says she is healthy. And she stops terrorizing TJ. Maybe I need to get a squirt gun to dissuade her from hassling him.
11 August 2008
I haven't seen hide nor tail of Onyx today. Yesterday she was pushy to get inside and mean to TJ as well. I don't know if TJ put his paws down and told her what's what or if she ran away from home to punish us and make us welcome her home when she gets back. Maybe she found people who will let her inside without a vet's seal of approval. She may have even found her way home to her first family. I don't know if I am upset or not after her behavior last night. After all TJ comes first.
12 August 2008
Just got home and still no Miss Onyx. I choose to think she has found another more welcoming home or found her way back to her original family.
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle
Message #719
08/12/08 09:05 PM
SES_ gosh, what to make of Miss Onyx's AWOL act? I hope, hope, hope that she has not spotted a charmer crooning her song before you can get her off to the v-e-t to be s-p-a-y-e-d.
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Guess who came for dinner? Onyx! She wouldn't talk to me or TJ, just ate and ran off to the shed when the guys came by to talk kitchen. Got lots of good ideas. Sharing, I haven't had a chance to look for the magazine you mentioned. But Clint said the same thing. Use the magazines for ideas and plan "grand". You can always rein in your plans once we know the ultimate that is possible. Makes sense. They even suggested once we have plans we could figure out stages so it wouldn't all have to be done at once. I had not thought of that.
14 August 2008
Onyx update - she did not show up at all Monday and only for dinner on Tuesday. I haven't seen her since. Either she found a better place to be or TJ really put his paws down and told her the house/yard rules.
15 August 2008
You will never guess who came to dinner tonight , Miss Onyx. We had not seen her since last Tuesday evening(at dinnertime). Are we seeing a pattern here? She has hung around the deck this evening, we will see if she decides to stay. She is still fiesty with TJ and he is still baffeled by it. Sort of like an only child suddenly getting a little sister- a mouthy little sister. I do hope she shows up early enough some evening to spirit her off to the vet. I don't want her in the house until I am sure she is healthy.
21 August 2008
Ok leave the pity party. I think the two smartest cats in the county inhabit my back deck. TJ can tell time. At least he always sings for his supper at exactly 5:37, unless I am early. Miss Onyx knows exactly when the vet ends office hours, that is when she comes home for her supper. ARGH, I am never going to get her in for a check up!
25 August 2008
Onyx has come for dinner tonight. Her tummy is round and firm, I'm starting to worry a bit, I don't need kittens! I'm hoping she decides to visit next Wednesday( when a certain doctor has late office hours). She still torments TJ when he doesn't expect it, if she is "fixed" will that mellow her temperament? TJ turns 18yo this weekend and he is too old to be tormented too much.
27 August 2008
Since Onyx chose to meet me as I came home from work I was able to scoop her up and get her into the kitty carrier without any fuss. Told her she was going to a kitty spa to be fed, petted and pampered (they will, too). Her tummy was awfully round. I just hope everything goes well. I'm hoping the surgery will help mellow her out a bit. Since she went to the doctor today and my car goes to the doctor Friday does this mean I can pay for them from the medical expenses account?
28 August 2008
After the DDS appointment and a visit to the bank and courthouse to pay last half of my taxes and a stop to buy more cell minutes I called to check on Onyx and they held her a day to monitor her and her surgery will be tomorrow. Even if she is preggers this vet will take the kittens. I am so glad, I am worried that Onyx might not survive the delivery with the damage to her back and legs. We will just have to wait and see what happens tomorrow. TJ has been very affectionate today. I don't know if he misses Onyx or if he is afraid I'll take him somewhere in the kitty carrier. He is mad and stomping down the hallway right now because I will not give him any more kitty treats. Have you ever noticed how loud a cat can walk when they are displeased with us?
29 August 2008
Just called the vet to check up on Onyx. So thankful, thankful, thankful that we use the vet we do. Onyx came through and is still groggy and may have to stay until tomorrow to be released. The vet and her tech found that she was almost to term and they also expressed concern that she would have a successful delivery with her mobility problems. I need to check back in a couple of hours for a final update.
Onyx came home about 1.5 hours ago groggy and dopey and still is. Woke up and whimpered a bit and went back to sleep. Dr. could not hazard a guess as to what kind of trauma had happened, although there were some abnormalities inside, we think she will recover as fine as she can. This is the same doctor that warned me 17.5 years ago that due to a hernia and a slight heart murmur TJ might not live very long. We will hope that she is just as overcautious in Onyx's case.
A friend lent me a good sized plastic dog travel kennel that I lined with some of my bath towels that smell like me and I put her in there and she seems content. I have decided to keep her in there unless I am home and can watch her just to protect her sutures since she is so wobbly even in a normal way. At least this a three day weekend.
I had been tucking away money since I decided to do this and I had enough to cover the entire procedure! Since it was a budgeted expense I can still call this a n/s day. When I had the brakes checked there was no problem to be seen, just said if I have been driving on dusty, gravely roads get it washed and pay for the extra attention to the underside. NO CHARGE! I could use more days like this. Especially after yesterday--property taxes, cell minutes, pay off car(YEA!) and something else that I can't remember. All planned and budgeted expenses but it still hurts to write such big checks! Gotta go hold Onyx for a while. Check in tomorrow.
30 August 2008
Gldn - Onyx is doing fine now. I know a couple of the neighborhood toms got her in July but I was never for sure until a couple of weeks ago. She started to wander (probably to find a place to safely have her kittens) and I was not able to get her to the vet until now. Luckily the vet was willing to take the kittens and fix Onyx because we were both afraid she would be unable to deliver safely with her back and hip problems. She is home safe and sound now. Earlier I held and petted her for about an hour, she just snuggled as close as she cold get. She is still out of it from the drugs. Tomorrow she will be as close to normal as she will be. At least now i know she is healthy and I can let her in the house without worrying about what she might bring in with her. TJ is sleeping right in front of the big portable kennel she is recovering in (her own private recovery room).
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GLDN the vet aborted the kittens because Onyx probably would not have lived if she went to term. I hope the problems with TJ were due to hormonal changes that will disappear when her hormones go back to normal. He seems to be willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, as long as she is in the cage. I let her out to walk around for about 30 minutes this morning and she may have done too much. She sat on the kitchen floor and threw up then looked so embarrassed. I will give her water today but no food until later this evening and then just a bit.
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I got back from a earlier commitment in Rapid City and just held and petted Onyx for quite awhile. She just snuggles and purrs, I am well and truly "marked" as hers, I don't know if TJ will speak to me now. He will, as long as I keep feeding him. I gave Onyx a little dry food but she is more interested in exploring right now. She really needs to eat a bit, she has not eaten since about 48 hours ago. While I was not looking she used TJ's step stool to crawl onto the bed and curl up on my buckwheat hull pillow and is now snoozing again. Up 'til now no one has given me any competition for that pillow.
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From Sharing: SES_ Sounds as if you have a friend for life. Just imagine that TJ brought her into your life. It's a remarkable story. I imagine TJ has it clearly in his little furbaby head that Miss Onyx is part of the household. He's got a little sister! Note to SES_ once the kitties take ownership of the pillow, it's all downhill for the original owner of the pillow! She may well venture towards the kitty dishes in the middle of the night. That's what I found with "the boys" after dental surgery.
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Sharing -- Onyx will be staying in her "private recovery room"(dog kennel) at nights. My house is a very open design and I am worried about her sutures and the basement steps. She will be sleeping in her "private room" until the sutures are removed next Saturday. I put in a little dry food, very little, that she can nibble on 'til morning. I don't want her to get sick from eating too much too soon.
31 August 2008
Onyx update--I may have done a very "thoughtless" thing. Since she has been home I have spent a lot of time holding and petting her. Now she follows me through the house, tail straight up high in the air, telling me all about her day and that I should stop whatever I'm doing and hold her. Not just hold her, but listen to her, if I try to watch TV while holding her she will stick her paw up on my cheek and turn my face to look at her. She reminds me of a very active toddler soaking up every bit of attention she can get. I may have created a monster. Makes me realize how staid TJ and I have become. I do, however, have to give her a "pawdicure" soon--her little claws are SHARP! She is now a little round black velvet pillow in the middle of the bed--must have exhausted herself with all the exploring she did this morning.
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i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr163/booksscott/Crawford-North013.jpg
I think this is a picture of TJ, the birthday boy. He will be 18yo Monday.
IT WORKED! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, BEEJ
I have been waiting all day to get home to share this! Onyx talked to me this morning! As i was putting out the bowls of cat food I was so focused on TJ's yowling (his Pavarotti imitation-range and volume are spot on but he lacks a bit in diction) that I didn't realize that gentle squeak was Miss Onyx. So then we squeaked back and forth for a few times and she stayed about four feet away from me. When I would not get up and move she decided to sneak around behind the glider to get to the wet food TJ had left, which meant she was eating about 2.5 feet away from me. I'm counting this morning as major success even if I know we will backslide some, too. I find it amazing that I started this process only four weeks ago!
When I put out the evening portion of dry food I rattled the bowl, and lickety split, there was Miss Onyx. Of course she wouldn't come out from under the ramp to eat until I went inside. Almost as soon as I had the screen closed she was there for dinner.
02 August 2008
On most days when I go to the kitchen to start my day I will find TJ Kitty on the deck lying across the threshold (he learned how to open the screen door years ago) with his nose pressed to the glass. I guess to verify that I am correctly preparing HIS breakfast. As I walked past the hallway window overlooking the deck this morning I had to do a double take. Miss Onyx was laying in the doorway in TJ's usual position! Of course she retreated as I brought the food out, but only about four feet. She sat there and talked to me again this morning for a bit as TJ ignored both of us and just gobbled his food. When she finally ate I learned that she is a nibbler, no wonder she is so slim and trim while sharing with TJ. When she is finished you needed to look twice to see if you need to wash that bowl or is it a clean bowl.
02 August 2008
Onyx update: She lazed around and under the deck most of the day. When I brought out the evening food she climbed UP three steps. Well, actually, she lumbered up the steps and then hobbled about four steps closer to me. We talked to each other for a while but she still wouldn't eat as long as I was on the deck. The more I observe her up close, and not in flight mode, I realize that her left leg is the most useless. I think her right leg isn't that great either. Together they really impair her balance. It is amazing she has lasted this long. I wish she would be friendly so I could take her to the vet. I don't know if she will be able to survive the winter unless she gets trusting enough to come inside. Of course, that would mean I may have to deal with cat litter- TJ refuses to go inside unless we are having a blizzard. I guess we will see what will be.
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle
Message #264
08/03/08 10:55 PM
SES_ Let's keep our fingers crossed for a long, warm autumn to give Miss Onyx sufficient trust time. Yes, that's a worry with her back legs like that. I'm honestly not sure what a vet could do. There is a neurological problem of some kind, and at the least, she'd need a full scan. One of my DSis's cats had hip dysplasia which was probably from a difficult birth. Bups lived out a full, happy, adored life span, but his gait was stiff-legged and lurching. He did manage all functions including kitty litter, albeit with some modifications. Have you determined her age? I'm thinking that if you can get her spayed, at that time perhaps the vet can assess Miss Onyx's ortho situation. Is there a teaching veterinary hospital withing drivable distance you can entice to work with her? I know you're not there yet...she'd have to be more or less tricked into a pet carrier...a daunting task at the best of times.
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Sharing I think Onyx is about a year old. I'm just hoping she doesn't have a litter before I can do anything. I'm afraid she may not be able to deliver. I'm very anxious to get her to a vet. The closest teaching hospital is about 400 miles away, so that is really a last resort. As long as this isn't life threatening. I don't know what I will do.
I just stepped out onto the deck to comb out my wet hair and Onyx was there just lazing on the other side of the deck. She didn't run or even tense up, just rolled over and blinked at me. She didn't even run when I got up to come inside! Baby steps in all things.
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle
Message #268
08/03/08 11:33 PM
SES_ Hmm. I would agree with you whole-heartedly. In that case, is it possible to determine if she has been spayed? I think I recall that you said her prior family had done some shots, etc. I'm guessing that she may have been spayed if she is not pg and she is a year old. That's the good news. You're right. I agree that spaying is the numero uno need. If you can't get that info, then she will need to be brought to the vet and that would be the first priority. Gosh. Looks like Miss Onyx belongs to you, SES_! Are you concerned that she'll hold the capture-spaying against you and will disappear once back home? There aren't guarantees, but the experience of others (other BFF in MB) has been good. Miss Onyx would be recuperating inside for a few days post surgery, too out of it to put up a fight, though she may be disoriented. Are there neighbours who can provide better knowledge of her life before your adoption of her?
SES_Books
Message #271
08/04/08 08:21 AM
Sharing I'm not too concerned about her resenting me for the "capture". My BFF and I have a routine. If her cats have to visit the vet I capture them and if mine have to go she captures mine. Of course afterwards TJ is so glad the ordeal is over he practically dashes into his carrier ready to get out of there.
04 August 2008
Are you ready for a little good news? My BFF came over for a visit this evening and as we were sitting on the deck Onyx came home and started talking to us. Eventually she got close enough for my BFF to touch her then eventually pet her. Onyx even allowed her to bring her onto the main part of the deck and sit with her in her lap. Onyx even stayed calm when I brought over the bowl of wet cat food smeared it over my fingers and she licked it right up. Then she let me pet her. It feels like living velvet-not the cheap cotton velvet but dense luxurious silk velvet. She didn't purr but she was relaxed enough to keep her claws retracted. When my BFF set her on the floor to eat she nibbled and then wound around my feet and stretched her head up for some scratching all on her own initiative. She is such a sweetie. We are going to try again tomorrow and hopefully we can get her into a carrier and to the vet soon. During all this attention being lavished on Onyx, TJ just sat beside me washing his butt showing no concern at all. It was one month ago today I started working with Onyx. I think her version of baby steps and mine may be different.
I really need to get a life if I get this excited when a cat lets me touch her. I'm going to bed early so I can get up early and try to spend more time with her.
05 August 2008
Just fed Onyx a whole can of fancy feast, I even pushed TJ aside when he wanted to help her. For this treatment Onyx allowed me to pet her a bit and scratch her chin. As it is still daylight I got a good look at her up close. She seems to have something wrong with her fur between her eyes and ears, the fur seems thinner and a bit scruffy. I can't wait to get her to the vet.
I wasn't sure if I'd even see her tonight. She came up to the deck about 5:30 pm, way earlier than usual, then the lawn crew showed up to mow the lawn, for the first time in five weeks since it has been so dry here. The noise or maybe strange people scared her off. I was sort of surprised to see her again at 7:30. She is still there. I'll check in on her later.
06 August 2008
ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!!! Onyx allowed me to pet her and pick her up this evening. I held her and pet her for about five minutes and -wait for it *drum roll, please* SHE PURRED! Then she realized she was being held and not on the deck and panicked. As soon as I set her down she started to wind around my feet, and nudge at my hand. Sharing, I got a better look at the patchy area and it does look like it might have been mites. I'm not sure but it might be scar tissue. I hope not.
Ombud a feral cat is basically an abandoned, neglected or runaway cat or kittens of the same who have not been socialized around people. I don't know that their meows would be different or not ( maybe like children have the accents of those around them). As for the milk or cream, is Starv skinny and needs the extra calories? Or is s/he just like us and wanting the good stuff whether it is good for us or not. Be happy that s/he likes dry food. My cousin, the veterinarian, says it is better for them. Onyx is starting to turn up her nose at dry, unless TJ has already cleaned up the wet and he left nothing but dry.
07 August 2008
Onyx Update - both cats met me on the deck, giving me their dinner orders. As I was dumping cat food into bowls Onyx took about two steps into the house to check things out while the door was open. Ran back out as I brought out the good stuff. She cleaned her bowl and sat and looked at me until I picked her up for a little petting. Getting better every day. I stopped at the vet on the way home for TJ's meds and asked about bringing Onyx in whenever I can catch her. Sometime after the 19th as the doctor will be out of town until then. That just gives me more time to get friendly. I'd like to do it on a Friday so I can be home with her over the weekend.
08 August 2008
I think I may have messed myself up. Miss Onyx has definitely decided wet cat food is better than dry. This morning I put out TJ's food with all of his meds artfully hidden in it. I put the dry food I had been feeding Miss Onyx down. He started chowing down with gusto, she daintily sniffed the dry and wobbled directly to TJ's bowl and started to eat. He stepped back with the most baffled look on his face. I scooped Miss Onyx up and held her while he went back to eating. I eventually put her down and she headed right back to his food, so I picked her up and held her again. We repeated this dance until TJ had finished all the food with meds in it then I quit but Miss Onyx didn't. Looks like I'll be spending more on Fancy Feast than I had planned. Maybe just at breakfast since that is when he gets his meds. This evening while I was preparing their dinner she actually came in and explored the kitchen. I think she is not a stranger to being inside.
10 August 2008
Beej you are right about Onyx thinking she is BOSS. Which ever bush TJ chose to relax under today within minutes she was following him. Then this evening when I was doing some cooking and housekeeping before the company tomorrow because it was too hot and humid during the day(90*+43%--I know, I know those of you east and south of me have permission to laugh at the wuss) anyway when ever I would step out with trash, just to sit a moment or to take a phone call she would come bounding(?) up the steps to talk to me and demand to go inside. Earlier today she slipped in for about 30 minutes before she scared herself and ran to get out. Once she even hissed and swiped at TJ while he was snoozing in front of the door. She has to realize TJ is top cat or she is not staying. He is so tired of being followed today that he is sleeping inside. This is not normal unless there is snow on the ground.
It is late and I'm done refereeing, I need to get some sleep before tomorrow. Check in later.
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I may have created a monster. Onyx is really being mean to TJ. She follows him and tries to pounce and attack him, he manages to get away but the expression on his face is soooo confused. I think he is afraid to come in the house if she is between him and the door. I have been petting him all day and not her, feeding him first and everything. He just comes and curls up under my chair and watches her. I picked her up to give him a chance to get inside and she starts purring and rubbing all over my chin "claiming" me. When I put her down I guess she wasn't ready because she tried to **** my ankle. I am really running out of ideas. It gets to be when I hear her squeaky little meow (sounds like a rusty gate hinge) I look to see where TJ is cowering. She definitely knows what inside is. She tries to get in every time the door is opened. But not until the vet says she is healthy. And she stops terrorizing TJ. Maybe I need to get a squirt gun to dissuade her from hassling him.
11 August 2008
I haven't seen hide nor tail of Onyx today. Yesterday she was pushy to get inside and mean to TJ as well. I don't know if TJ put his paws down and told her what's what or if she ran away from home to punish us and make us welcome her home when she gets back. Maybe she found people who will let her inside without a vet's seal of approval. She may have even found her way home to her first family. I don't know if I am upset or not after her behavior last night. After all TJ comes first.
12 August 2008
Just got home and still no Miss Onyx. I choose to think she has found another more welcoming home or found her way back to her original family.
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle
Message #719
08/12/08 09:05 PM
SES_ gosh, what to make of Miss Onyx's AWOL act? I hope, hope, hope that she has not spotted a charmer crooning her song before you can get her off to the v-e-t to be s-p-a-y-e-d.
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Guess who came for dinner? Onyx! She wouldn't talk to me or TJ, just ate and ran off to the shed when the guys came by to talk kitchen. Got lots of good ideas. Sharing, I haven't had a chance to look for the magazine you mentioned. But Clint said the same thing. Use the magazines for ideas and plan "grand". You can always rein in your plans once we know the ultimate that is possible. Makes sense. They even suggested once we have plans we could figure out stages so it wouldn't all have to be done at once. I had not thought of that.
14 August 2008
Onyx update - she did not show up at all Monday and only for dinner on Tuesday. I haven't seen her since. Either she found a better place to be or TJ really put his paws down and told her the house/yard rules.
15 August 2008
You will never guess who came to dinner tonight , Miss Onyx. We had not seen her since last Tuesday evening(at dinnertime). Are we seeing a pattern here? She has hung around the deck this evening, we will see if she decides to stay. She is still fiesty with TJ and he is still baffeled by it. Sort of like an only child suddenly getting a little sister- a mouthy little sister. I do hope she shows up early enough some evening to spirit her off to the vet. I don't want her in the house until I am sure she is healthy.
21 August 2008
Ok leave the pity party. I think the two smartest cats in the county inhabit my back deck. TJ can tell time. At least he always sings for his supper at exactly 5:37, unless I am early. Miss Onyx knows exactly when the vet ends office hours, that is when she comes home for her supper. ARGH, I am never going to get her in for a check up!
25 August 2008
Onyx has come for dinner tonight. Her tummy is round and firm, I'm starting to worry a bit, I don't need kittens! I'm hoping she decides to visit next Wednesday( when a certain doctor has late office hours). She still torments TJ when he doesn't expect it, if she is "fixed" will that mellow her temperament? TJ turns 18yo this weekend and he is too old to be tormented too much.
27 August 2008
Since Onyx chose to meet me as I came home from work I was able to scoop her up and get her into the kitty carrier without any fuss. Told her she was going to a kitty spa to be fed, petted and pampered (they will, too). Her tummy was awfully round. I just hope everything goes well. I'm hoping the surgery will help mellow her out a bit. Since she went to the doctor today and my car goes to the doctor Friday does this mean I can pay for them from the medical expenses account?
28 August 2008
After the DDS appointment and a visit to the bank and courthouse to pay last half of my taxes and a stop to buy more cell minutes I called to check on Onyx and they held her a day to monitor her and her surgery will be tomorrow. Even if she is preggers this vet will take the kittens. I am so glad, I am worried that Onyx might not survive the delivery with the damage to her back and legs. We will just have to wait and see what happens tomorrow. TJ has been very affectionate today. I don't know if he misses Onyx or if he is afraid I'll take him somewhere in the kitty carrier. He is mad and stomping down the hallway right now because I will not give him any more kitty treats. Have you ever noticed how loud a cat can walk when they are displeased with us?
29 August 2008
Just called the vet to check up on Onyx. So thankful, thankful, thankful that we use the vet we do. Onyx came through and is still groggy and may have to stay until tomorrow to be released. The vet and her tech found that she was almost to term and they also expressed concern that she would have a successful delivery with her mobility problems. I need to check back in a couple of hours for a final update.
Onyx came home about 1.5 hours ago groggy and dopey and still is. Woke up and whimpered a bit and went back to sleep. Dr. could not hazard a guess as to what kind of trauma had happened, although there were some abnormalities inside, we think she will recover as fine as she can. This is the same doctor that warned me 17.5 years ago that due to a hernia and a slight heart murmur TJ might not live very long. We will hope that she is just as overcautious in Onyx's case.
A friend lent me a good sized plastic dog travel kennel that I lined with some of my bath towels that smell like me and I put her in there and she seems content. I have decided to keep her in there unless I am home and can watch her just to protect her sutures since she is so wobbly even in a normal way. At least this a three day weekend.
I had been tucking away money since I decided to do this and I had enough to cover the entire procedure! Since it was a budgeted expense I can still call this a n/s day. When I had the brakes checked there was no problem to be seen, just said if I have been driving on dusty, gravely roads get it washed and pay for the extra attention to the underside. NO CHARGE! I could use more days like this. Especially after yesterday--property taxes, cell minutes, pay off car(YEA!) and something else that I can't remember. All planned and budgeted expenses but it still hurts to write such big checks! Gotta go hold Onyx for a while. Check in tomorrow.
30 August 2008
Gldn - Onyx is doing fine now. I know a couple of the neighborhood toms got her in July but I was never for sure until a couple of weeks ago. She started to wander (probably to find a place to safely have her kittens) and I was not able to get her to the vet until now. Luckily the vet was willing to take the kittens and fix Onyx because we were both afraid she would be unable to deliver safely with her back and hip problems. She is home safe and sound now. Earlier I held and petted her for about an hour, she just snuggled as close as she cold get. She is still out of it from the drugs. Tomorrow she will be as close to normal as she will be. At least now i know she is healthy and I can let her in the house without worrying about what she might bring in with her. TJ is sleeping right in front of the big portable kennel she is recovering in (her own private recovery room).
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GLDN the vet aborted the kittens because Onyx probably would not have lived if she went to term. I hope the problems with TJ were due to hormonal changes that will disappear when her hormones go back to normal. He seems to be willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, as long as she is in the cage. I let her out to walk around for about 30 minutes this morning and she may have done too much. She sat on the kitchen floor and threw up then looked so embarrassed. I will give her water today but no food until later this evening and then just a bit.
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I got back from a earlier commitment in Rapid City and just held and petted Onyx for quite awhile. She just snuggles and purrs, I am well and truly "marked" as hers, I don't know if TJ will speak to me now. He will, as long as I keep feeding him. I gave Onyx a little dry food but she is more interested in exploring right now. She really needs to eat a bit, she has not eaten since about 48 hours ago. While I was not looking she used TJ's step stool to crawl onto the bed and curl up on my buckwheat hull pillow and is now snoozing again. Up 'til now no one has given me any competition for that pillow.
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From Sharing: SES_ Sounds as if you have a friend for life. Just imagine that TJ brought her into your life. It's a remarkable story. I imagine TJ has it clearly in his little furbaby head that Miss Onyx is part of the household. He's got a little sister! Note to SES_ once the kitties take ownership of the pillow, it's all downhill for the original owner of the pillow! She may well venture towards the kitty dishes in the middle of the night. That's what I found with "the boys" after dental surgery.
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Sharing -- Onyx will be staying in her "private recovery room"(dog kennel) at nights. My house is a very open design and I am worried about her sutures and the basement steps. She will be sleeping in her "private room" until the sutures are removed next Saturday. I put in a little dry food, very little, that she can nibble on 'til morning. I don't want her to get sick from eating too much too soon.
31 August 2008
Onyx update--I may have done a very "thoughtless" thing. Since she has been home I have spent a lot of time holding and petting her. Now she follows me through the house, tail straight up high in the air, telling me all about her day and that I should stop whatever I'm doing and hold her. Not just hold her, but listen to her, if I try to watch TV while holding her she will stick her paw up on my cheek and turn my face to look at her. She reminds me of a very active toddler soaking up every bit of attention she can get. I may have created a monster. Makes me realize how staid TJ and I have become. I do, however, have to give her a "pawdicure" soon--her little claws are SHARP! She is now a little round black velvet pillow in the middle of the bed--must have exhausted herself with all the exploring she did this morning.
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i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr163/booksscott/Crawford-North013.jpg
I think this is a picture of TJ, the birthday boy. He will be 18yo Monday.
IT WORKED! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, BEEJ