Update on Karen the Shelter Cat

[Carmen Lucia]

@GoldHazel I bought the Arm and Hammer litter last night (WAY cheaper than the stuff I was buying). I took the old litter out, sanitized the box and moved it to a more private area. Within 5 minutes she had already peed in there. I deep cleaned the carpets and sanitized anything I think she'd compromised during her litter protest as well. I think we're headed in the right direction.

She's not a huge fan of the litter box in general, she keeps her front feet out of the box when she goes so obviously the hood was cramping her style. I know that is a sign that she may not like the litter but it almost seems like that's just the way she does things. Who knows what the condition of her previous box was kept in or what litter they used, it may just be habit for her from years of hating it.

She's scheduled for her dental on 6/29, I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I've made notes about the anesthetic and I know she'll be in good hands. They are also going to groom her really well while she's under and do a deep ear cleaning. I've cleaned so much gunk out already but she holds her head at a tilt and I just want to make sure she doesn't have an inner ear infection or something going on. I can't wait to see how beautiful she'll look.

I'll update everyone after her dental... Hopefully she's left with enough teeth to keep her tongue in! Either way, she'll be much happier when it comes to eating.

 

[GoldHazel]

@GoldHazel I bought the Arm and Hammer litter last night (WAY cheaper than the stuff I was buying). I took the old litter out, sanitized the box and moved it to a more private area. Within 5 minutes she had already peed in there. I deep cleaned the carpets and sanitized anything I think she'd compromised during her litter protest as well. I think we're headed in the right direction.

She's not a huge fan of the litter box in general, she keeps her front feet out of the box when she goes so obviously the hood was cramping her style. I know that is a sign that she may not like the litter but it almost seems like that's just the way she does things. Who knows what the condition of her previous box was kept in or what litter they used, it may just be habit for her from years of hating it.

She's scheduled for her dental on 6/29, I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I've made notes about the anesthetic and I know she'll be in good hands. They are also going to groom her really well while she's under and do a deep ear cleaning. I've cleaned so much gunk out already but she holds her head at a tilt and I just want to make sure she doesn't have an inner ear infection or something going on. I can't wait to see how beautiful she'll look.

I'll update everyone after her dental... Hopefully she's left with enough teeth to keep her tongue in! Either way, she'll be much happier when it comes to eating.

@Carmen Lucia not only do some kitties prefer a particular litter box whether it's hooded or not, but the size matters too. Some just like enough room to really move around in there. I have a tremendous, open box that I purchased at Petsmart. I noticed that Petco has a very similar box if you want to next try a really big one.

I scoop all day long and change the litter as soon as I see it needs changing. Sometimes it can be once a week, other times it can be every other week. It all depends. When I do change the litter altogether, I usually use bleach and really scrub it out well. Last time I used white vinegar though.

Keep in mind that once a cat (not a dog though) has an accident in a particular place, they will always go back there and use it as their toilet IF that spot isn't completely neutralized. Best way to check for these spots would be to use a blacklight. If you lived near me, I'd lend you my blacklight. I purchased mine at Spencer's Gifts in my local mall. Very inexpensive, but either way, it was well worth it to find ALL the spots that my female used as a litter box!

I don't know what you've been using to neutralize the areas that you found. But after trying many different products for the last 30 years or so, I always go back to Nature's Miracle. Hands down, the best I've ever used. I will add it to my laundry as well when washing anything machine washable that had an accident on it.

I'm rooting for Karen and now that with the right direction, things can be as normal as possible in your household with her.

Hmm, being that she has her head tilted, the first thing that comes to my mind is a problem with her ear as well. When she has here dental, hopefully all these other issues will be resolved during that time.

I know you know about the anesthesia and not to use Ketamine, but to have them use ISO gas instead, but very important is that the vet's office places Karen on a heating pad right after surgery. I know someone that lost their sphynx hours after surgery because the sphynx just couldn't get their body temperature up to normal.

 

[Carmen Lucia]

@GoldHazel I wanted to try Nature's Miracle!! I was going to buy some yesterday when I was picking up the new litter but became overwhelmed at the choices and my toddler was getting restless with me holding her... do you use the Just for Cats version? I didn't want to get any that was scented because I was scared Karen might not like it and it would only make things worse.

 

[GoldHazel]

@GoldHazel I wanted to try Nature's Miracle!! I was going to buy some yesterday when I was picking up the new litter but became overwhelmed at the choices and my toddler was getting restless with me holding her... do you use the Just for Cats version? I didn't want to get any that was scented because I was scared Karen might not like it and it would only make things worse.

@Carmen Lucia the original one that I've been using for 30 some odd years is always an excellent choice, and especially if you don't want a scented one. But the scented ones are fine. I especially like a particular scented one for the laundry. And, by the way, maybe it would be a good thing if Karen doesn't care for a scented one, then she would avoid that area, right?

Here is the original type:

Buy this size, you WILL need it. It's always good to keep around the house when you have pets. It won't go bad.

I'll tell you how I use it VERY SUCESSFULLY: I pick up their accident with paper towels. If it's on material, I sop up urine as well as I can using paper towels on top and underneath as not to spread it. Don't spread/smear pet waste you are picking up whether it's urine or poop.

Then what I do is take hot water on paper towels and a little tiny bit of dishwashing detergent (Dawn, Palmolive, etc.) to wash away the mess I just soaked up.

Then I pour some Nature's Miracle on that area. Rub it in and around using clean paper towels. Then dry it. Now pour the Nature's Miracle on the entire area again, BUT this time it MUST air dry.

VIOLA! You have just successfully cleaned and neutralized a pet accident and there will be NO smell of the accident for the pet to ever go back to that spot again to have an accident.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Carmen Lucia, so happy she has so much love and the best of care with you!
Great advice given

The breeder I adopted from Recommemded anti icky poo - funny name but used for all kinds of stuff

I got the unscented and use in the laundry for pet bedding
I wouldn't hesitate to use either product

I have not used the cat specific Natures Miracle - hopeful other members can chime in too

Please keep us updated often

Head smooches sent

 

[Carmen Lucia]

@Yoda mom @GoldHazel I'm SO happy to report that I came home from work to find her litter box used multiple times AND she buried her stuff which she hadnt been doing I bought the Nature's Miricle tonight and just got done treating her problem areas. I think we're making huge strides!

She seemed to be in a better mood overall this afternoon. Not that she's been in a bad mood every other day but today she had extra energy and was following me all over while I cleaned. She also found a cardboard box of clothes I'd pulled out of the closet for goodwill. I couldn't find her anywhere and I guess she turned it into a fort of sorts. I'll have to make her something of her own this weekend

Again, I wouldn't be as knowledgable as I am in helping her without your guys's help and support. THANK YOU!!❤️

 

[Hairless Blessing]

I am so glad you hear how much better things are going.
Will be watching for your update after the dental work.
Thank you again, for, taking her and giving her a wonderful
loving home.

 

[GoldHazel]

@Yoda mom @GoldHazel I'm SO happy to report that I came home from work to find her litter box used multiple times AND she buried her stuff which she hadnt been doing I bought the Nature's Miricle tonight and just got done treating her problem areas. I think we're making huge strides!

She seemed to be in a better mood overall this afternoon. Not that she's been in a bad mood every other day but today she had extra energy and was following me all over while I cleaned. She also found a cardboard box of clothes I'd pulled out of the closet for goodwill. I couldn't find her anywhere and I guess she turned it into a fort of sorts. I'll have to make her something of her own this weekend

Again, I wouldn't be as knowledgable as I am in helping her without your guys's help and support. THANK YOU!!❤️

@Carmen Lucia cats can be very picky not only with food, but with their litter too. Some cats don't like the way certain kitty litters feel on their paws. But being that Karen is deaf, her other senses are magnified and maybe she didn't like the way the old litter felt or the way the old litter smelled. Who knows? But the main thing is that "we're making huge strides", right?

 

[Carmen Lucia]

Think good thoughts for Karen, she gets her dental tomorrow. I had to bring her to the vet tonight because I need to be to work early. I hope she's not to upset or scared... I probably miss her more than she's missing me. I left detailed notes in her file and with the Dr about everything I learned about anesthetic. I'm sure everything will be fine, I can't help but worry!

I'll post tomorrow as soon as I find out how she did and how many teeth she has left.

 

[Toa and Ross]

Sending positive thoughts. All fingers and paws crossed the surgery will go well.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Good luck with the dental surgery. We have seen kitties get all teeth removed and within a week or so, members have reported their babies can eat eat dry food! Will be looking for your update.

Patti

 

[GoldHazel]

Think good thoughts for Karen, she gets her dental tomorrow. I had to bring her to the vet tonight because I need to be to work early. I hope she's not to upset or scared... I probably miss her more than she's missing me. I left detailed notes in her file and with the Dr about everything I learned about anesthetic. I'm sure everything will be fine, I can't help but worry!

I'll post tomorrow as soon as I find out how she did and how many teeth she has left.

@Carmen Lucia oooh, this breaks my heart. My heart is going out to Karen because I hope she is not thinking that she's been abandoned again and going to bounce around. She will be on my mind until you update once you know about her teeth.

Hang in there, Carmen, she'll be fine, she'll feel better in no time. HUGS

 

[Yoda mom]

@Carmen Lucia , all paws crossed for Karen's dental surgery -
She will be so much more comfortable omce all taken care of - they bounce back quickly -
Be sure to see other members dental threads -

Deep down inside she knows your love and care-
Looking for good news updates on "Karen's journey "
Thank you for opening up your heart and home to Karen With the best of love and care

Believe me she knows with every day how much she is loved

 

[GoldHazel]

@Carmen Lucia any news yet about Karen? I've been thinking good thoughts about her all day.

 

[Nicolemorgan]

Thinking about Karen, and will be looking for your update.
<3
Sending hugs!

 

[Carmen Lucia]

Karen had her dental this morning and had several teeth pulled. I don't know the final count yet but I can only imagine! We're picking her up at 3:30, I can't wait to get her home and start babying her. She'll love it I'll post again after I pick her up and get all the details.

 

[GoldHazel]

Karen had her dental this morning and had several teeth pulled. I don't know the final count yet but I can only imagine! We're picking her up at 3:30, I can't wait to get her home and start babying her. She'll love it I'll post again after I pick her up and get all the details.

@Carmen Lucia ok thanks for the update for now. I'll be looking for the more detailed one later on. If you give her some human baby food while she's healing, just make sure it's pure meat and no spices like the dangerous ones for a cat (onion & garlic).

 

[Carmen Lucia]

We're home with Karen now, she had 16 teeth pulled!! She has her canines and a couple molars left.

She's drooling and bleeding a bit but otherwise ok They groomed her while she was under and she's sparkling!!!! I can't believe how much healthier she looks. I didn't want to annoy her with photos, I'll get some later.

Thank you all so much for thinking positive thoughts and checking to see how she was doing. She'll get extra snuggles tonight and hopefully within the week we'll really get to see her personality shine through. I can't imagine she was running at her full potential with a mouth full of rotten teeth.

Carmen

 

[Catzzzmeow]

@Carmen Lucia yay for Karen being home. She is going to feel so much better in a week. 16 teeth is a lot but if that is what it takes for her to be painfree then that is so worth it. Happy healing Karen!


Patti

 

[GoldHazel]

@Carmen Lucia aww, poor Karen. Just keep on telling her that she will feel better than ever in no time. Thank you for the update and keep us informed of her progress.

 

[Hairless Blessing]

So glad this is behind her. She will be much healthier.
You have been so wonderful for her and to her. I can't say enough
How much I thank you, for what, you have done.
It breaks my heart into pieces, seeing, hearing and knowing
animals around the world, of all kinds, are being, mistreated.
Abused, killed, breed just for money. How wonderful it would
be, if that didn't exist, in our world.

 

[GoldHazel]

@Carmen Lucia
@Carmen Lucia aww, poor Karen. Just keep on telling her that she will feel better than ever in no time. Thank you for the update and keep us informed of her progress.

I know that Karen can't hear you, but there are other ways to "tell" her.

HUGS to you and Karen tonight.

 

[NinaGato]

@Carmen Lucia
I'm so glad to hear about her coming through her dental and that she got a bath. Can't wait to hear how she feels after a few days of healing. It is good that her canines are intact. She will eat fine after some healing. My Peterbald lost MANY teeth and he still ate well. Wishing you both well.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Carmen Lucia , her journey of health and love began with you -
Bless your heart- she will be forever reciprocate that love -
Her personality will really shine now hat she is on her road of love and care because of you

Looking forward to pics of Karen when she feels up to it
((( speedy recovery vibes )))))

 

[Carmen Lucia]

Karen had an OK night, I was reading the letter the Dr sent home (I didn't get to chat with her when we picked Karen up). Karen had a lot of dead tissue around her gums and on her tongue that they had to remove and has a mouth full of sutures. She's uncomfortable but still wants loving and cuddles... She's lucky I love her so much because having a cat drooling and sneezing blood on you is less than desirable!

She's on oral pain meds, I gave her a dose before I left for work this morning. I offered a tiny amount of wet food but she's not interested yet. I'll have my husband try again this afternoon since he's home today.

Now that I can see just how much of a nasty infected mouth she had, I'm excited to see if this will finally clear up the nasal discharge and crud she always has in her sinuses.

I feel so bad for her! But I'm glad she'll be feeling better soon.