The Beginning: Prince Diaper

Here is a link to the first post in this blog. Prince Diaper's story is over, but I hope you enjoy learning from his life. Email if you have any questions on caring for a special needs cat.

I got it!

I finally got the Cat Fancy magazine. It was pretty neat. A lot of the interview was cut out but that's to be expected. I'll probably frame it.

Lucas in Cat Fancy Magazine

I haven't seen the magazine yet but here is an excerpt. A freelance writer was doing research for this article on technology and cats when he saw this blog. I am thrilled that Lucas will be inspiring even more people, God rest his soul.

Lucas is at rest

I am sorry to have to tell you this sad news, but Lucas was put to sleep after his quality of life deteriorated greatly due to FIP. It all happened within a few days and Tedra did everything she could. She ordered extensive tests at the vet to make sure he couldn't be brought back to a healthy state. None of us believe in letting a cat suffer to the end, and she held him while the vet let him go. It was shocking as he was gone before I knew he was sick, it happened so fast. (I have been in Nashville for a week.)

It makes me happy to know that he was able to run, play, climb, and get lots of TLC for a few extra months. He was so pitiful when I first found him but he led a good life for at least a little while. I am so thankful to Tedra and all the volunteers at Joey's Feline Friends for loving Lucas during the last few months, I know they are upset as well.

I have to admit I have cried several times but I am also so thankful for what Lucas taught me about enjoying life fully. He challenged me to do more than I thought I could, and other cats will benefit from the lessons he taught me. Thank you for sharing Lucas with me, I know he was loved by many.

(Pictures are being emailed to me in a few days and that will be the last entry in this blog)

Paypal

Hi Kay!

Thanks for your comment! I was having problems with Paypal but I think the button on my Petfinder page is up and running again. Here is the link, let me know if it doesn't work. Thanks so much for thinking of Lucas. He is a lucky fellow to have so many people caring for him.

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/mauistrayrescue.html

Alisha

Urine burn is gone

The urine burn is gone but now Lucas has diarrhea! I know just how that goes. Before I realized he had no control over his bowels, I woke up one morning to diarrhea all over my bathroom. It was terrible. I hope that clears up soon, must be from stress or something. Tedra says hopefully he'll be running in the field again soon. She also said this:

"I take the lactated ringer bags (fluids) and just release the valve and let the sterile water just shoot all over Lucas's butt and he seems to like that."

Seems like a good system! I really hope and pray that urine scalding isn't a consistent problem.

I sent a money order last week to help with the vet bill. I am going to try and put some books on half.com so I can send more mula.

I really wish I could visit the sweetie!

Improvement

Right now Lucas is in a cage with a puppy pad, healing from the urine scalding. He wants to get out and play which is great! Tedra is thinking about diapering him during the day and caging him with a puppy pad during the night. I mailed some liquid bandage which is recommended by the handicappedpets.com people, who know their stuff. I also mailed vaseline and desitin, which can also be used as a barrier. It would be better than a diaper but it depends how well he does. I also mailed three months "rent" to help with the vet fee. Hopefully something can be figured out so that Lucas is not so much work.

Urine Burn

Unfortunately Lucas has to go to the vet because of some pretty bad urine scalding. This really is something that could happen whether he is in a single home family or at a cat sanctuary. I feel so bad for him! They are going to try expressing his bladder a couple times a day so he isn't constantly dribbling urine on himself. I was never successful in doing this but he also didn't get urine scalding after I cleared up the infection he had when he came to me.

The vet cost 150 dollars, ack! The vet had to cut away the dead skin. The vet said he looked good otherwise. He's playing and eating and all that. Tedra took him home for a couple days to clean him with saline, which makes me feel terrible because she probably has 30 small kittens to care for! Anyway I'm glad she's telling me what is going on, send your prayers to Lucas!

Running through tall grass

Tedra emailed and said to let Lucas' fans know he is doing great! I guess the house on the property has cat doors which is why he was inside. But he gets locked out at night because the owner woke up to Lucas urinating (unknowingly of course) on her bed! He's getting along great with the other cats and loves playing chase and running through the grass before cutting time!

A Maui vet brought four foster kittens from Molokai to me yesterday and remembered me frantically emailing her when I first realized Lucas had problems. I think she was happy to hear it all worked out for the best. As for my foster kittens, you'll have to come see them on my other blog!

Prince Diaper is Happy as a Clam

Lucas is doing great. I am a little late to post about this but I got an email a few days ago. Tedra said Lucas was a riot when he was let out of his cage! He was running and jumping and climbing everywhere. He is also not being a bully, yay! I guess he went through the "pecking order" pretty quickly. They are also trying to wash his backside frequently. I am a bit confused about whether he is inside or outside and I wll let you know when I find out! Either way, he is doing great and I appreciate all the people at Joey's Feline Friends so much and I know Lucas does too!"Lucas Last Day on Molokai"

No Update

Sorry, no update! I am going to email to check on Lucas since he must be out of the cage by now. I've been so busy finishing up the school year and packing. I am leaving for good on Thursday! I have not even had time to mail Lucas' presents and B12! Whoopsie! I better do that in the morning. But check back in a bit to find out how Lucas' integration is going.

Samson is now Lucas!

Since Lucas is in a secure area, I decided to take his beastie band back home with me. Since I am moving, I want everyone to be collared and tagged just in case they get out of their carriers. When I got back home, I saw that Samson lost his new collar and tag! So he is now Lucas and has serious medical needs.=) It'll do for now, as long as my phone number is there!

Here is a picture of my current cats. Four are mine...Samson and Bella are fosters.


If I kept all the animals that came to me for help, I'd be moving two dogs and 12 cats!

Lucas: One Week Later...

I just got an email about Lucas. He is doing well and will probably be let out of the conditioning cage this coming week! Yah! I hope he's nice to the other kitties...

Cat Art

I think you will enjoy the beautiful art I put on my second blog. I will be posting over there more frequently than here because Lucas has started his new life on Oahu. Whenever there is a Lucas update, I will put a link on my Strays Purr Too blog so you can check it out.

Here is a preview. To see the rest, click on the link below the picture.


http://strayspurrtoo.blogspot.com

Surgery Successful!

I called Tedra today to check up on Lucas. He is doing well! He was neutered yesterday, hurray! The vet decided not to amputate his tail. She said he is still young and could rejuvenate those nerve cells. I never thought of that! Maybe one day that tail will curl and wave! I sure hope so. The vet said he was so sweet, he just crawled onto her lap. Tedra said they decided to just stick his bum in warm water once a day instead of applying the desitin. She didn't say this but another thing I thought of is that another cat could have licked it off! You know how cats are! And that's not good. So anyway he's still in a cage, adjusting to his new environment. But he is doing well!

Airmail!

We got another care package! This time from Oreo and Heather! Thank you SO much! We were all surprised to see how many goodies you sent, you are so sweet! I am going to be mailing some of the toys and the stinky stuff =) to Lucas when I mail his B12 supplement and "rent". My crew thanks you very much for the toys!














Here are two of my latest foster kitten, whom I have named Bella!
And these are so cute I have to add them too!

Kodak Moments

Here are a few pictures of Lucas taken during his last night with me. There is also a picture of the two of us! And for those of you who did not see the photo album, I added two pictures of his new home. He will not be living in an enclosure but out in the open. There is a cat fence but it's hard to see.

Long Live Prince Diaper!

Well I am not sure what else to say about Joey's Feline Friends now that I have posted the pictures! It's really an amazing place with hardworking and caring people. They are definitely cat slaves to so many formerly unwanted housecats and strays. I will never forget my experience with them and hope to visit again soon!

Someone asked if it smelled, not at all! Probably because of all the fresh air. Also it was not hot. I am not sure what it would be like if it was more humid but it seems like that area is pretty cool year round.

I have received a few emails about helping out so here is what you can do, if you so desire!

Lucas' "rent" is 30 dollars a month which is completely reasonable and it helps keep this place running. If you would like to sponsor Lucas for a week or a month, you can do it from his petfinder page right here.

Joey's Feline Friends just got a paypal account so if you would like to send them a donation to help them out with all the wonderful work they do for hundreds of cats, click here.

I have some more pictures to post of his last night in the house with me. So keep checking the blog! I will also be updating you on his neutering and tail amputation surgeries. Whenever I hear anything, I will let you know!

Preview of Joey's Feline Friends

I am going to do a full entry on Lucas but I am so tired I am not going to get around to it today. However, I will leave with you a link to a photo album of pictures. You'll get a good idea of things yourself. The place is fantastic and all those unwanted cats found a nice place to live with caring and hard working people looking out for them with much love. Lucas has a huge area to live with people who will keep an eye on his issues. There are about 30 cats that are free in the yard and because it's so big, there is plenty of room. There are two properties. One is Tedra's house, the founder, and newer enclosures and Lucas' yard is located at another woman's property just five minutes away. I admire both women and all the volunteers so much!

Here you go, more later:) Feel free to ask questions. Also, Tedra told me three of you called/emailed her to thank her for taking in Lucas and she seemed pleased. If anyone could use some moral support, it's her! I've never met anyone so hard working and it never ends! Plus it is kitten season, which you will see! So drop her a line at Villaroz@aol.com.

If anyone on Oahu is reading this, please volunteer, they need your help badly and so do the cats!

One last night

Lucas is in the house for the night. I brought him in and fed him in the carrier while I ate. I bathed him and he was very good. He has quite a few scratches, naughty boy. I put the diaper on. I put the tail hole too low but it'll do. He growled the whole time and walked awkwardly at first but then proceeded to sniff all the litterboxes and check out the house.

He is now bathing himself, I guess I did not do a very good job! Our flight leaves at 6:15, fun. I'll have to wake up early and diaper him. That should only take about ten minutes. He'll be flying in the cabin with me. I don't even have the address for the place but I have phone numbers. We have some time to kill since we are not meeting until 11:30am. So that will be interesting.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers! Hopefully this is the right place for Lucas. If not, I'll bring him home. I'll take pictures and tell you how it went either tomorrow night or Sunday.

Crystals?

I am a bit concerned about Lucas. First he seems to be limping or something, it's hard to tell. I hope his neurological damage is not getting worse. I hope he just stepped on a burr. They are everywhere and they hurt!

Anyway I decided to wipe him down so I got my tub of babywipes and pinned him between my legs. I started cleaning him up when I noticed the fur covering his privates was matted with what looked like a white sugary substance. Crystals? I am wondering if he has crystals in his urine. That would not be good! But I cannot figure out what else it could be!

It's not over yet

The story of Lucas is not over yet! I will be posting pictures of the animal sanctuary he is going to and I will give updates as well! I plan to visit him at least once a year, hopefully more! I will also continue to look for a family for him, and if I find one, I will go and get him.

The Big Day

Lucas is going to his new home this Saturday! I am about to book the flight!

I just got off the phone with the lady from Joey's Feline Friends. She has a shelter at her house which you saw pictures of. It's part indoor and part outdoor. Stables were converted into a cattery but the cats can be in a field as well. Lucas is going to her partners shelter. It is 5 minutes away from her and one acre. She lives there and Lucas will get daily attention and vet care when needed. He will be neutered THIS Tuesday. There are other cats there as well. He will start out in a cage to get acclimated and I will stay for that. Then he will be let out. She said most of the cats hang out in the carport.

They do deal with intercat aggression issues sometimes and have another cat that sometimes gets mean. They just try and figure out how to deal with that particular cat. Volunteers help as well.

There is a fee involved so this "shelter" can survive. It's 30 dollars a month, or 360 dollars a year. I also have to sign something that says I will help with vet fees if anything major happens but she says that is rare. She has been trained by vets and can deal with a lot of things herself. She works with vets and knows them well enough to know which one to go to for a particular problem.

I also have to sign that they can euthanize if his quality of life is poor.

This lady is awesome and we are meeting on Saturday at 11:30am. Lucas is going to have a good life, and a safe one, where he won't be a burden and he won't have to live in diapers.

Another care package!

We are so spoiled! Thank you Marge! Everything will come in handy, that's for sure! The pill pockets are genuis!

One Acre with a Cat Fence

It looks like Lucas has found his match with Joey's Feline Friends! I contacted them at the suggestion of Meredith (who saw my post on craigslist.com) and they said they have the purrrrfect place for him! This wonderful cat rescue leases one acre of land and it is cat fenced!

Here are some links.

In this one, the lady in the back is the one I am emailing with.

Here is a recent news article about Joey's Feline Friends.

This is their website, and I guess so is this. Not sure which one is current.

You have GOT to look at these pictures!!!!!!!!

http://joeysfelinefriends.org/pictures.shtml


YAA!!!!!!!!

I emailed today to see if I can fly him over this weekend. I also asked if he will be getting daily human contact so that he can get some lovin' and get his privates checked out. This organization has a vet that neuters for them every single Tuesday so that is taken care of too! I am a little concerned about him bullying the other cats but hopefully surgery takes care of that urge.

Zeus' Legends Ball

Thanks for honouring us! What a fun idea! I love how you chose the dorky picture of me, haha!

http://zeusexcuse.blogspot.com/2006/05/zeus-legends-ball.html

A Visit

I brought Lucas in for a visit tonight. Diapering wasn't that hard which is good because after we move he'll be diapered again for awhile.

He had been trying to get in the house and I felt so bad for him! He smells pretty strong of urine even though I wiped him down with a bunch of babywipes.

You will also see his new collar, a beastie band! He doesn't look like a stray anymore! He was actually really good with the new kitten but she got scared anyway.

After he explored the house and smelled the litterboxes, he fell asleep in the living room. He is still sleeping!

Strays Purr Too!

I started a new blog that will be open to stories and pictures of all my rescues and all things cat related! I am going to start from the beginning with my first rescue so you may see some of the same pictures though I will try to vary it. I have so many things I want to share and I'll have quite a few cats to help on Maui and I don't want to take away from Prince Diaper's story. So here it is:

http://strayspurrtoo.blogspot.com/

After the bath

I forgot to show you the post-bath picture!

Lucas catches a mouse and gets a bath!

I let Nique (white cat) and Kikeli (orange cat) outside today to spend some time in the yard. Lucas joined us after a few minutes. He smelled pretty strong of urine so I decided to give him a bath later on. When I went out to get him, he had a mouse in his mouth! I know it's the natural order of things but I save every mouse I can. They are actually pretty cute and tiny! Luckily he dropped it when he saw me.

I have to admit I have not missed the odor! I put him in a carrier while I got the bath ready and he pooped and peed, and it smelled pretty bad! But I cannot really complain since he's outside now and I just have to deal with it here and there. He does pretty well in the bath actually, I don't get clawed. I just put him right under the running tap and lathered him up with some baby shampoo. Then I wrapped him back in the towel for a rub. I applied desitin and let him back outside to eat dinner.

Good news - I have a possible lead on a home for Lucas. We'll see if it works out! Keep those fingers crossed....or should I say put those hands together and pray! I have found absolutely perfect homes for all my fosters already, against the odds, and I need to have more faith that the same will happen for Lucas.

Enjoy the pictures (I stuck one in so you can see how safe it is here) and leave a comment! =)

Lucas in Massachusetts?

Best Friends sent out a notice about Lucas and I got an email from someone today! She said she passed the notice on to other rescuers, and the Massachusetts Humane Society put him on their website! See the ad here and here. It was neat to hear her say that people around the country were trying to help Lucas!

I just spoiled him with some yummy canned food and pets. He is relaxing on the patio now.

Running out of options

I talked to the Boo Boo Zoo and they don't have a secured yard for cats but he gave me a number for someone who does. I called her and she said they are full, I think she said they have 15 cats now. She suggested the Feline Foundation but I think I already contacted them.

So what do you think is better? An unsecured outdoor home or euthanasia? Is it better for him to face the risks of outdoor life, though there are less in Hawaii, or be put to sleep?

I'd like to tell you that I'm going to committ to Lucas full time and have him diapered inside, but I can't. It's not fair to my cats, whom he bullies, and it would cut down so much on my time and money to rescue more cats. And there are at least five outdoor cats for me to deal with when I move.

So, what do I do?

The Search

I left a message on the Boo Bo Zoo's and Hawaii Animal Sanctuary's answering machines. I emailed the Aloha Farm Santuary, Hawaii Cat Friends, and the Hawaii Cat Foundation though I think I emailed the latter already. Hopefully someone responds. The other rescue organizations I emailed either said sorry they don't have room or they did not respond. There are no more organizations to get ahold of.

I am going to post him on craigslist again with an update and change his Petfinder ad to show that he can be an outdoor cat in a safe area.

In response to comments...no, I do not plan to keep him. As a rescuer, I have learned that they must all be rehomed. Especially the very adoptable ones. I have four indoor cats already and have learned that you can end up with ten more in no time if you are not careful.

Yes Lucas will be staying outside. As you can see from the pictures, he is doing very well, and there is no urine scalding. I will be keeping a close eye on him. I hope to find him a safe outdoor home with someone who is willing to take special care of him, and hopefully even bring him inside from time to time if they can manage diapering him. The problem is he is a fighter, maybe because he is not neutered, but my orange cat still fights if he's out at night, which I avoid like the plague.

Someone asked what he is eating. that is a Nutro Pouch. Unfortunately they dry is Friskies because I ran out of Chicken Soup.

The Great Outdoors

Now that I know Lucas can actually thrive outside, his options have opened up a lot. I am going to be calling a cat sanctuary on Oahu called Hawaii Cat Foundation today as well as the Boo Boo Zoo. I just found out about a place called Oreo's Aloha Farm Sanctuary. There is also a place called Hawaii Animal Sanctuary that I'm going to check out.

I think Lucas will enjoy any of these places. He rejected the diaper last night in a bad way. I tried to put one on outside and bring him in but he starting breathing funny, and growling, and he bit me pretty hard so I let him go. I think quality of life is important and he's doing well outside without the diaper so hopefully that continues. Pray that I find a great rescue that can give him a safe, happy, and healthy outdoor life.

Before and After

Lucas is doing really well. I am really amazed at the difference in his private area. (Although it ain't private anymore!) I know that isn't the most FUN cat thing to discuss or look at it but I have to share because I am so happy to see him look so nice and healthy! And it will continue to get better!

Lucas caught a kitten

Lucas helped me catch a very small, hungry, and scared kitten that was on my driveway when I went outside today! I was so shocked. Here are pictures and video. By the way, since Lucas is staying close and this area is very safe, I am going to see how he does outside so I know whether or not he can be an outdoor (but well cared for) cat in a safe area, or at one of the cat sanctuaries in Hawaii. If he shows any signs of urine scalding, I will bring him in and diaper him again. But this is something I need to figure out so I know what options I have for him. He would be happier without the diaper. He is on the porch sleeping right now. Okay, here is the kitten. CLICK FOR BIGGER VERSION.