Jessica 0 #26 February 13, 2003 That's a hoax. Hoax hoax hoax. More of a joke than a hoax. Look here.Skydiving is for cool people only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freefallfreak 0 #27 February 13, 2003 Jessica, That was sent to be by a trusted friend so I had no reason to doubt it altho I didn't check it out closely cause I would probably have gone off the deep end and done something I really shouldn't do, lol. I'm glad it was a hoax, tho. Thanks for looking it up. I just couldn't do it. FFF "Upon seeing the shadow of a pigeon, one must resist the urge to look up." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkF 0 #28 February 13, 2003 OK it seems that you've tried all the standard "Recalcitrant Pet" tricks. Now it's time to trot out the big gun. Vegemite. Yep the food of the gods from down 'ere is very salty and STRONG tasting and very nearly all dogs 'n cats love the stuff. Mix up the Vegemite with the drugs and smear it on the cat food. Try the Vegemite first though - you may have the only cat in the universe that doesn't like the stuff. Ooroo Mark F... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NtheSeaOrSky 0 #29 February 13, 2003 Michelle, Try with one of the more calm kitties first, so you can get the method and then you can just pounce on BK. Start with large towel/blanket from BEHIND the cat drape over back leaving a little bit of the head exposed. Quickly wrap the front corners around the neck snugly so she cant wriggle her legs up through. Then 'tuck' /roll the rest under her. For extra support, stradle said cat at the shoulders with thighs, with your lower legs and feet at her rump to prevent her from sliding out to the back. In the middle of a scream/hiss/yowl, insert small amounts of liquid, as we wouldnt want her to drown! I also have a pshyco cat that turns into a shredding octopus when scruffed, so I can relate For less stress, I reccommend giving her her own room, skip one meal, then place meds in food. Tuna juice works well, or the cheapest, nastiest smelling fishy canned food from the grocery store. Life is not fair and there are no guarantees... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #30 February 13, 2003 I use the "straddle" method when I give my cat his heart medicine, and I don't need to wrap him up or anything. I do have to go through the motions of "catching" him, and sometimes he makes that process a little difficult. Then I just sort of force him into a sitting position and straddle him from behind, tilt his head back and pry his mouth open with one hand and put the pill in his mouth (all the way back) with the other, then I hold his mouth shut for a few seconds and massage his throat til he swallows. My knees are clamped pretty tight around his shoulders, my butt is on top of his, so he really can't go anywhere, or scratch me, and most important, I am not hurting him at all. Anyway, this works for me now, but keep in mind that Milo has been on medicine for almost 3 years. I used to give it to him in his food, and that worked for a while, but he got too smart for it. He'd actually trick me into believing he took the pill, then I'd find it later, uneaten. With BK, I think you should first try and see if you can get her to take it with her food. The poor thing has been through enough and she's old and cranky! Plus, the daily fight to give her her meds will cause extra stress and use up her energy. (by the way, I hope your nose has stopped bleeding!!) Good luck with it! maura Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #31 February 13, 2003 Thanks, guys...I'm not so good with the bundling thing yet...but I managed to get 4 of her claws clipped, even though I didn't want to. Quotethe daily fight to give her her meds will cause extra stress and use up her energy. (by the way, I hope your nose has stopped bleeding! My nose is fine...and even if it wasn't, it doesn't matter. Maura, you hit it on the head with that. She's old, cranky, arthritic, and I so can't stand to put her through that. It's too much. QuoteFor extra support, stradle said cat at the shoulders with thighs, with your lower legs and feet at her rump to prevent her from sliding out to the back. In the middle of a scream/hiss/yowl, insert small amounts of liquid, as we wouldnt want her to drown O.K., that's a good description. What I have been doing is nestling her under me, on the dining table, and very similar body position. She fights so hard she chokes herself, and then of course I let her go. She gets it all over her coat, and gets utterly filthy, which necessitates a clean-up with washcloth and warm water, which she can't stand as well. I've got a call into the vet asking him to either give me pills or something that can mix with food. I took a deep whiff of the meds, and it smells like bubblegum. While that's fine for me, I can totally understand why a cat wouldn't want to consume it, and why she fights so hard. There's got to be a better way. I just gotta find it. Even if it's more expensive, I gotta find it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #32 February 13, 2003 Michele, You'll probably have better luck if you actually get her on the floor and use your knees, instead of crouching over her on a table. If nothing else, it gives you more of your body to work with. I don't suppose the pharmacist can make that medicine tuna flavored for her, huh? maura Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #33 February 13, 2003 I used the table because it was there. Perhaps the floor is better... As for tuna flavored, I will ask...still waiting on the phone call from them to let me know what I can do. We had another go at it this morning...now my sofa smells like medicinal bubblegum. And now she's hiding. Sigh.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #34 February 14, 2003 Called the vet and told him the horror of the last few days' attempts. He agreed that this was not acceptable, and called the pharmacist. Irving the pharmacist and I talked for a while, and determined that 40 milligrams in capsule form, to be broken down and added to her food, would be the next thing to try. It's being messengered to me tomorrow...at no cost. I have the best vet in the area - he is leaving town for a week, but has informed his staff (who are all wonderful as well) that should I call, I am not to go to his replacement, but to take a message and they are to call him and he'd call me back so we could talk personally. I've not had great experience with vets; it is wonderful to have stumbled into his office. BK's eyes are not dilated equally today. I wonder just how much I'm trying to buy time for her, or is it for me... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessica 0 #35 February 14, 2003 QuoteBK's eyes are not dilated equally today. I wonder just how much I'm trying to buy time for her, or is it for me... Does she still purr? When I was a teenager, I had a cat I loved more than anything in the world. He got really sick, pretty abruptly, but hung on for a couple of weeks. I took him to the vet after school as often as he needed it, singing the entire way so he wouldn't yowl. The whole time he was sick, he didn't purr. I was horrified when he passed away, but I know he wasn't enjoying life anymore. My fat, happy kitty was gone the moment he stopped purring. If she still cuddles in your lap, and still purrs, then I think it's OK to hang on for a while longer. You wouldn't want to give her up too soon. I really think you'll know when her time is up.Skydiving is for cool people only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #36 February 14, 2003 QuoteIf she still cuddles in your lap, and still purrs, Yes, like a little motor. When I crawl into bed, not more than 5 minutes later she's up next to my head, settling in for the evening. She'll move around, get all set, and then the purring starts - and doesn't stop. And when I'm at the computer, she's nearby in one of several favored spots. If I leave the room, she comes to find me shortly thereafter. She's still purring and cuddling. Even reaching for my hand to nudge me into stroking her. Thanks, Jess. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #37 February 14, 2003 I agree with Jess. She's still purring, she still has the energy and spunk to fight off her medicine and she's still demanding attention. Sounds to me like she's not ready to let go yet. Addressing that nasty infection may improve the quality of the time she has left, whether its days or months or longer, who knows?? On some level, even though she fights you, she knows you wouldn't be doing it all unless you loved her. You are lucky to have such a great vet. They are hard to come by. I drive pretty far for mine even though there is an animal hospital 2 minutes away. Hang in there and keep us posted! maura Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #38 February 15, 2003 QuoteOn some level, even though she fights you, she knows you wouldn't be doing it all unless you loved her. Gawd, I so very much hope so. I would hate to think she sees me as something evil and mean, especially at this point in her life. I want her comforted and loved and secure and happy... QuoteYou are lucky to have such a great vet You are not kidding. I interviewed him and his staff before I brought BK in for the first time. He and I have become friends; he sees how much this one little life means to me, and has taken lots of extra steps. And I make sure he knows how much I appreciate it. With my next closing, I am sending over a few pizzas and some soda for a lunch for the office. I got the new meds, and opened a capsule and mixed it into her regular wet food...made sure it was well mixed, and then took her and the dish into the bathroom. Left her there, and came back a little later. It's mostly gone...she's eaten it. No more wrestling and trauma for her, thank god...now hopefully it works like it should. And hopefully this is the origination of the illness, too. But even if it helps her feel better in the mean time, I think it's worth it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkF 0 #39 February 15, 2003 Good thing you've got a good vet and an understanding pharmacist and maybe now you're getting some of the drugs down BKs thoat. Anyway I thought I'd post this in the vague hope that no-ones seen it before (yeah right ) and that you get a bit of a laugh out of it...Ooroo Mark F... Edited to place the actual text... How to give a cat or a dog a tablet. 1. Pick the cat up & cradle in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger & thumb on either side of cats mouth & gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth pop pill into it, allow cat to close mouth & swallow. 2. Retrieve pill from floor & cat from behind the sofa. Cradle cat in left arm & repeat process. 3. Retrieve cat from bedroom and throw soggy pill away. 4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open & push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten. 5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl & cat from top of wardrobe. Call partner in from garden. 6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front & rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get partner to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler & rub cats throat vigorously. 7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from the foil wrap. Make note to buy a new rule & repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered 'Doulton' figures from hearth & set to one side for gluing later. 8. Wrap cat in large towel & get partner to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force cat's mouth open with pencil & blow down drinking straw. 9. Check label to make sure pills not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply plaster to partner's forearm & remove blood from carpet with cold water & soap. 10. Retrieve cat from neighbour's shed & get another pill. Place cat in cupboard & close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon & flick pill down throat with elastic band. 11. Fetch screwdriver from garage & put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek & check records for date of last tetanus shot. Throw T-shirt away & fetch new one from bedroom. 12. Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road & apologise to neighbour who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid the cat. Take last pill from foil wrap. 13. Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine & bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed & pry cat's mouth open with a small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by a large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically & pour a pint of water down throat to wash down pill. 14. Get partner to drive you to ER & sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers & forearms & remove pill remnants from right eye. Call at furniture shop on way home to order new table. 15. Arrange for SPCA to collect cat & ring local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters. HOW TO GIVE A DOG A TABLET: 1. Wrap it in bacon and drop it on the floor. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #40 February 15, 2003 Morning, Mark... Thanks for the laugh. I've read it before, but never during when one of my cats needed medication. Takes on a whole new meaning, you know? Finally, something to smile about on this whole thing! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #41 February 15, 2003 Quote HOW TO GIVE A DOG A TABLET: 1. Wrap it in bacon and drop it on the floor. I like the peanut butter method better......she likes the peanut butter, and I get the entertainment of watching her try to lick her chops. Fly it like you stole it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gemini 0 #42 February 15, 2003 Mark these would be a lot funnier if they were not true. Thanks for the laughs! Blue skies, Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
