Many of you know that I stayed home the past 20 months with maybe one 36 hr. trip because Admiral would only allow me to medicate her...she hid from the sitter and being boarded broke her heart. So, I am going to travel a tad and then, I will have a new small warm beautiful little love.
I have spent so much on Admiral's care in the past 3 years, especially the past year in particular I don't think I can't really afford the Vet care for two babies. I thought of that, having two-- but the expense and the smallness of this home make me hesitant. All arguments for 2 are completely right. Money however is another matter.
I WILL follow all the advice about feeding. Believe me, I don't ever ever EVER want to go thru this heartache again. I mean the illnesses that MAY have been prevented..maybe. It's worth it to me to feed wet foods only. AND to pick out the grain free wet foods, maybe even a treat of dry occasionally..
One of the silly pleasures I have always had is listening to the cats crack their kibble. I love that sound. It never fails to make me smile. But never again at their expense if that's (grain) what it is.
that makes them ill with certain problems.
I hope to have another love to share with me very soon. And I WILL heed all advice that I am able. I won't rule out 2 babies altogether but it's not very likely though. Very small home aside from the expense. IF I see the panfer again and the pull is as strong, then home he comes. If not, another baby will find me.
Thank you for caring so much that you took the time to write me and give excellent advice..which I assure you WILL be heeded. I appreciate each one of the comments more than you may know, I promise.
63 comments:
We duz nom teh blue bufallo dry wat duzn't haz grains, an there iz others I thinks. They iz also kittehs wat duzn't want to haz any siblings, like teh One Who Came Bafore me. You will find jusht teh purrfikt kitteh wen teh times is rite an it will be teh way its ment to be *purrrrr*
I sends u love. :)
Mebbe someday u can has noo kritter pal. I tink it's okay if u wait, though. Admiral is watchin u from Heaven, wif a smile. :)
You know, I think it is a 50/50 thing, one kitty vs two. Having a similar age kitty playmate is fun for a kitty if they get along well, and single kitties seem in our experience sometimes to bond more strongly with the human, like your Admiral did. Of course with all the kitties in need of homes out there, being able to give a home to more than one is a good thing, but you need to find what is right for you.
We think it is a good thing you can do a little traveling while you are not worried about your furry baby at home. Where may you go?
Simba and Human
Enjoy your time now as a free Mom and when it's right for you a fuzzy will come into your heart and it will just be meant to happen. We are happy for you as we can hear the excitement in you and that is a good thing.
purrs
>^,,^<
♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥
Dear Carole,
Me thinks yous should has a vacation! Yous deserves it! Yes, wet foods is the best!
Kisses and yous knows we loves yous
Nellie and Kozmo
You will know when it is right and taking a break from the responsibility can be a good thing. When you have a moment, you are invited to the Realm for a small award ceremony....PM for PT
you can always get the crunchy sound with lots of treats. MOL you have to do what is right for YOU!!!
We think you have a very good plan. We know too that when the time is right the perfect fur baby will find its way to you and into your heart. Enjoy your travels for now sweet Carole. Sweet Admiral will be there with you everywhere you go and she will be happy you are getting to travel. Many wonderful times lie ahead for you. Hugs and nose kisses
I think you have a great plan! My Mommeh doesn't want to travel because of leaving us alone, too!
You will know when the time is right for a new furbaby. I think Admiral will guide you.
now wait a minute! What did I miss? I was reading ALL of the blogs the past 2 days and didn't see anything pertaining to this! :)
A kitty will find YOU when it is time. You will know!
Do you think that dry food caused The Admiral's problems?
Due to Cody's allergies I DO feed him kibble AND wet food but it is "grain free" Since he has allergies he has to eat Royal Canin rabbit formula...both canned and in kibble form. After his recent 'backup" lol I have cut down the amount of kibble that he eats quite a bit! He used to have 1/4 cup a day along with his wet food and I have cut that down. We don't know what caused the "back up" but I suspect it was too much kibble or side effects of his prednisone that he has been on a number of times in the past two years. Enjoy yourself on your trips, be good to YOU and when the time is right, you will know it! xoxoxoxo
We think you are doing the right thing to wait for the time that works best and also leaving it open to finding the right kitty that you know will be a fit for you and your home. We know Admiral will guide you in this decision so pay attention to your intuition. As for two kitties, we're all for it if they get along. We love having a snuggle buddy but Mommy has had kitties before that didn't like each other even though they were real sisfurs. The only expensive one around here is our sisfur Sadie! :)
We think taking some time for yourself is a great idea. Admiral will take care of finding the right furkid for you when the time is right.
The Florida Furkids and Angel Sniffie
Carole,
It probably is a good idea to wait until you can be home for an extended time so you can bond with the new furry. One thing I found that when I adopted Wally and then Ernie, it's so much easier having a younger cat. Prior to that, I had had one that lived to be 20 1/2, and the last few years of his life was dealing with kidney problems, the next one lived to be almost 17 and he had serious back surgery when he was 13. Having younger cats is so much easier, because you usually don't have the health issues that you have with the older kitties. Oh I know I'll be dealing with those problems one day, though. Two furries would be nice!!
Sue
I certainly think you should get out and kick your heels up a little!
One of my guiding tenets in life is serendipidy (sp?); you will recognize when the time is right.
There are lots of crunchy healthy treats...freeze-dried livers, hearts, meat etc to get that satisfying sound!
I agree with Sue, younger kitties tend to have far less health problems; we've been lucky so far with our two oldsters--they are some tough Illinois-bred Cats.
wait till spring and all the babies-
(I wouldnt go to a pet store)
You are being very smart about the cat food!!
I think 2 would be grand, I loved having Myst & her brother <3
One thing I know you know, when the timing and the kitty is right, your heart will tell you. Listen to your heart, it's Admiral whispering to you. Love & Hugs.
I think you have a good plan Twin. It will do you good to take a few trips as you need that. You will find your sweet friend when the time is right.
xoxoxo
Carole, enjoy your travels and when the time is right, the right little boy or girl will find you. And he or she will be a VERY VERY lucky kitty.
There will be a kitty (or two) waiting for you whenever you decide the time is right, whether it's this little boy or another kitty. Enjoy some travels in this temporary hiatus from kitty-mommying ;-) XOXOXO
I think everyone here has said it all. Do some traveling, and when the time is right, you'll know and so will Admiral by whispering in your ear.
Traveling first is a good idea. We luf our kittehz dearly and won't travel cuz of them. So, we miss alot. Haf a good time, you will know when the time is right. xoxo
To quote Sheryl Crow, "A change will do you good."
It's good that you're gonna travel. Enjoy yourself and be safe. You'll know when a kitty is right for you like it was with me and Kassey.
I live in a one bedroom apartment with two adult cats. Don't worry about the size of your home. You can always add a second kitten or cat later if the urge strikes.
Enjoy your travels! It is hard to leave our furbabies--even healthy ones--behind to take trips.
We know that the Admiral will let you know when the time is right, Mom Carole. We love you, dear friend.
Things will come in your time. But we still wouldn't be surprised if the panther suddenly moved in. :)
We love you.
Beware, baby male cats turn into male teenage cats that like to destroy things until they grow into calm adults. That's what happened when Caspar was growing up. He was very destructive until he was one and a half years old, after that he was the best kitty.
it sounds to me like you are doing exactly what is right for you right now, and when you are ready, there will be somekitty waiting for you. And there are some that do better as only kitties - the cat before me was like that. My human WAS her other kitty, as far as she was concerned. So you never know.
Take your time and get out there and live a little first. Finny has not been well and we have been tied to her too. When the time is right I believe the right kitten or kittens will find you. Hugs
Meg
Just back reading other peoples' comments - what Horst said about destructiveness could apply either way, male or female. We have never had cats attack furniture by providing a GOOD substantial scratching post/cat tree from the outset. Audrey love scratching those cardboard scratchers. We did have to put some sheer drapes out of the way when we had really small kittens, till they grew beyond the stage of possibly climbing the drapes. Talking 6 week olders, though.
Good travelling mom Carole :) We have 5 in our home but I fink ms Akira would prefer to be an only kitty and I like to have many bruffers and no sisfurs. So do what is right fur you.
Tanaka
I totally understand! The last few months with Praline limited my travel, except for work. She would get to where she wouldn't eat unless I was there with her. Take time for yourself and you will bond with another furbaby (or babies)!
You may not remember, but there were two kittens (part himmie) that someone wanted me to get the night Sweet Praline went to the bridge. It did me good to hold them close and I was so tempted to get them, but something told me that the time wasn't right. I needed time to grieve.
Truffle came to live with me 4 months after I lost Praline. Beignet was supposed to come too, but he went to the bridge the week before he was to come to me. I debated a long time before deciding to get the second kitten. There is only 11 weeks difference between Truffle and Brulee and I haven't regretted getting both of them for a minute.
Financially, it can be tough with two (especially with my own health issues)but I love both of them and would sacrifice my own comfort and some bills for them!
Admiral will let you know when the time is right.
Mom Paula
Watching how Cosmo had 2 blockages in the first 2 years of his life made me change from kibbles only to a mix of kibbles and wet (certainly helped!). Then, having read about how unhealthy the jelly in the canned food is, I'm going to start cooking for them.
I started cooking for Whisky in 2008 after a major health scare (kibbles only for the first 8 years of her life) and she's healthier than before. Home cook definitely makes a difference (with dry and canned occasionally), though research on the recipes that work is necessary.
We look forward to welcoming your new baby(ies) when you are ready!
That's a really good idea, Carole. You deserve a vacation! As others have said, you wil know when the time is right to adopt a new kitty x
We are just excited that you are thinking about getting another fur baby. That is just terrific. It is also a great idea that you take a little vacation before getting your new fur baby. I have to agree, that Admiral would sure approve of you getting another kitty. Take care.
Let your heart guide you, my friend. (((hugs)))
Admiral will guide you and you will know when the time and the kitty are right for you.
Take care.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Our Mom has not traveled either for a few years with our older kitties needing her care. Enjoy this time for yourself and when things settle down the right kitten will find you!
Cats of wildcat woods
Having had a single cat for 15 years, and never less than two since, I don't think I would go back to having a single cat. The main reason is that they have company when I am gone, particularly when I am gone for several days and someone just comes in to feed them a couple of times a day.
You will know when the time is right and what is right. I waited 9 months after Yuu-Chan died and then Genji happened very quickly!
#1
I think you're very wise waiting for awhile and don't blame you for wanting to travel a bit. It's just what the Admiral would want you to do. Take your time and when the time is right you'll know.
You gave your little one all your time and she will bewatching over you now and saying go mum and travel. There will be a kitty there when you are ready and you wil giveit much love.. Hugs GJ xx
Jack has had problems with crystallization since 11 months. (He's now 15 years) It's mostly stress related, at least for him. He flares up really quickly too. Kibble with grain doesn't help, but it's not the only cause. It's not even the only problem with the kibble. A lot of store-bought stuff doesn't have the right mix of nutrients to keep cats at a proper urinary pH level, and that's what causes the crystals.
A bowl of kibble out at all times is necessary for us because he's a grazer. Nothing I ever did to try to put him on a scheduled diet ever worked. He still did occasionally have flare-ups even though he was on medicated (but not grain-free) kibble since 11 months, but after that tainted kibble scare a few years ago, I switched him to a non-medicated grain-free kibble. Not only did he and the other kitties LOVE the new kibble, they loved it so much they snuffled through the bowl to search it out and wouldn't touch the other stuff anymore!
But he's only once had a problem since switching to it. And at that, it was only a bacterial infection that *sometimes* precedes a crystallization flare up. Tests came back with not a sign of crystals. Considering at the time we were trying to adopt a recently fixed tom, who was quite Large and In Charge, and had Trapper in the house two weeks before we had to return him due to Jack's ongoing high stress levels, the fact that he DIDN'T have any crystals in his urine even after two weeks is to me a testament of how much healthier it really is.
Also, if money is an issue there as well, I noticed that along with healthier, shinier coats, and more playfulness, after they'd been eating it for a bit, they ate way less of it than the old kibble, and pooped much smaller poops. A 7kg (Approx 15.5lb) costs me about $60 CDN and lasts two and a half months with 3 cats, two months with four. They get a tablespoon of wet food at night, as well.
It is kind of a toss-up, isn't it? I like them having kibble because it keeps their teeth clean. On the other hand, wet food means they get more fluid. I also encourage more water drinking (which is a HUGE help in preventing crystals) by finding out how each kitty likes to drink water best.
Jack likes free-falling running water, like from a tap, so we have a fountain that has spouts that stick out over the pool in the base. Persephone prefers to lick running water off a solid surface, so we have a second fountain where the water comes up through the top in the centre and flows over a dome.
In the end, it very much depends on the cat, too. Some cats don't have strong teeth, and should be on a wet food diet. Or you might end up with a cat that simply refuses to eat one or the other.
As for one kitty vs two, best advice I can give is talk to the adoption councillors/fosterers from whichever rescue or shelter you go to. They usually know their cats. There are plenty who are decidedly loner cats who want to be sole ruler of your universe. A cat that doesn’t will get bored and lonely alone and amuse itself in strange and possibly destructive ways! :)
I laughed when I read what you wrote about listening to the crunch of kibble. I love that sound too!!! My kitties, one female and two male, do eat mostly canned grain free (Felidae of course, MOL) but they also get a nightly treat that is either a spoonful of grain free kibble or a handful TidNips treats.
As far as the timing, I believe that everything happens in perfect timing...so it will be with a new kitteh whether it's this house panther or another baby. One thing is for sure, he or she will be a lucky cat!!!
Carole, don't blame yourself. There's no point as we never know what makes things happen. Also, Admiral loved you and had a wonderful life.
Have a good break. And bring us back some pictures!
Wishing you a Happy Healthy and Fun New Year with lots of Luck and Prosperity. We may as well have the lot, right?
Have a wonderful vacation Carole. I wish you a Happy New Year filled with fur and paws. :)
Hugs, Dianne :)
Dear Carole, it's The Big Thing here. I understand your hesitations and financial concerns. We can only do what we have time and money to do. I am not among the fanatics who say people must give up everything to support as many cats as possible.
In addition, I would never adopt cats on the assumption that the rest of the cat world will help pay their expenses. You adopt a pet of any kind WHEN you can afford to give it food, shelter, vet attention and personal attention.
My personal experience is that cats generally do best when there is another cat (that they get along with) in the house. People attention is great too, but they mostly interact among themselves.
That's not an absolute statement. You obviously have the emotional space for a cat. You have the physical space. If your finances can support only one cat, likely to be euthanized in a week or two at most shelters, then that is obviously a best option for that one cat.
And I know that one single cat would be a LOT happier with you for its lifetime than for a couple of weeks in a cage.
May I suggest that, if you have seen a kitty at a shelter (like the black panther) that may not "be around" when you can adopt it later, that you see if it could be fostered for a while until you are ready. Perhaps 1/2 food support would help.
Just some thoughts as you move on from your dear friend Admiral to a new relationship...
Since 1990, I gained Skeeter and LC, lost Tinkerbelle, lost Skeeter, gained Ayla, lost LC, gained Iza, and gained Marley. Skeeter was my BEST cat, but Ayla, Iza, and Marley are my best multiple cats.
So things shift around over the years. But also over the years, there has always been at least one cat. It matters to people like you and I that there is a cat in the house. I think too many people deprive themselves of the love and attention to and from a cat in loyalty to the One-Who-Came-Before.
That's not the way to go. I have never waited long to get a new kitty to give my love and attention to when another has left. I think there is no lack of space in our minds for both gone kitties and new ones. It doesn't mean forgetting the old, but beginning a new adventure of discovery and love.
I hope this helps...
How very exciting! Before you give up on 2 kitties, talk to your vet. Mine gave me half price deals when I adopted Julie & Carl, just to help unwanted kitties find a home. Maybe your vet would do the same. Have a fun and safe time!
Good thing to travel now that you can. I know how it is with caring for cats with special needs. Not easy to ask "anyone" to petsit. You are so right about the vet costs. Something that is important to be aware of. As long as the pets are healthy there is no problem, but as soon as there are complications you must have the money. Insurance will only cover part of the cost IF it covers. I know the one I have do not cover teeth... But it's important w an insurance anyway. Take care and have fun! All the best xxx Lotta
Enjoy your trips. I know when you finally are ready for a new fur baby it will be the luckiest of all to have you to love and care for it.
Good morning Mom Carole! I hope you are getting ready to go off on your trip. We hope you have a wonderful time!
The Human remembers very well the last couple years of Clarkie's life when she had to give him subcutaneous fluid three or four times a week--she'd squeeze in little day-or-two trips but always fretted about him when she was away. So we hope you can really relax and have a good time! There will be a new little furry one all ready to be your new kitty when you are ready!
Dear dear Carole. My prayers are with you, praying for the best way for you to grieve for your "love". May the good memories out-weigh the pain of your loss.
Dear Carole, I think you are right to take some time for yourself to travel, now, before adopting a new furbaby. I did the same when my lovely Minxie went to the Bridge and the very day I returned home, straight off a night flight from Prague, Possum was waiting for me. I didn't want him to be lonely during the long days I spent at work, so, a few weeks later, I brought my sweet Pixie home to join him. Now that she, too, has gone, and people are already offering me new kitties, I ask myself what would be best for Possum. I believe I will know when the time is right. Pixie will whisper in my ear. And I believe you, too, will know when the time is right. The Admiral will whisper in your ear: "This is the Moment and this is the Kitty."
Carole, there are so many comments and thoughts for this time in your life. You are absolutely doing the right thing. You have so much love to give and it will be waiting, with the Admiral's blessing, for that new furchild who will make his or her way into your life. We love you and completely understand. You need time, prayers, meditation and healing.
Hugs,
Julie & Tom
The new love in your life will come to you when you are ready and it will be purrfect...Boy kitties are very loving and sweet=I think you will connect with a soul and know right then, regardless of any concerns, but from my experience, neutering makes them much less likely to spray...I kept my girls in my bedroom for a few days and stayed in there with them as much as possible before letting them have the run of the house...I can't wait to meet the beautiful new soul that steals your heart, Carole and I know sweet Admiral will bring the right one to your life...Wishing you a very Happy New Year filled with great health, much love and tremendous joy...love and hugs, precious friend...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki
Happy New Year! We hope 2012 is better than 2011 and we wish you all the best. We are looking forward to meeting the new little addition! Take care & see you in the new year.
Popping in to wish you a very good year in 2012! We hope you are somewhere visiting family and enjoying yourself.
Simba, Audrey and Mom
Enjoy your travelling and relax as this year, 2012, is sure to be a good one for you. Have a great time and don't be surprised if a sweet kitty stops you in your tracks.
Lots of luv and kisses Hannah and Lucy + Mum Sue
We wish you a Happy New Year and a fresh start with a new furbaby! I think the right one will call to you and you will know for sure.
I'm positive the Admiral will help to point you in the right direction, too, from her view from the Bridge.
All the best for 2012!
My Mom feeds me Science Diet dry cat food. She had some other kitties with big problems who ate only wet food. My food bowl is heaping full all the time and whenever I feel like nibbling, I do, and am the perfect weight (according to the vetinary lady).
Mandu
P.S. I love being an "only" cat.
Oh Mom Carole, Thanks for understanding how harrowing that "pawty" was! I wish I *had* come over to your house!! Escaping these hellish Humans would have been the best. I might not even have minded being loved on--just a little, you understand. A Boy has his image to protect.
Dear Mom Carole, thank you for your sweet comment about Neytiri. We want to wish you a 2012 filled with many blessings and the right and purr-fect kitty when the time is right. Happy New Year!
Just popping back in to see what's new and to say hi, hope you are doing well. Have a blessed 2012!
Mom says boy kitties are the BEST
We had a very long comment here and it did not print
So we will just add that we love you
And
Bonks
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