Prince Diaper

New blog

2007-07-17T23:03:00.001-10:00

I recently became involved with a wonderful no-kill cat sanctuary here on the beautiful island of Maui. I enjoy my volunteer time and decided to create a blog. I will be sharing rescue stories, pictures, and news. Check it out at:

http://9thLifeHawaii.blogspot.com

Thanks!

The Beginning: Prince Diaper

2006-12-16T17:00:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-12-10T11:03:00.000-10:00

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

2006-11-18T09:26:00.000-10:00

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

2006-08-10T05:02:00.000-10:00

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

2006-07-17T08:54:00.000-10:00

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

2006-07-15T20:01:00.000-10:00

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

2006-07-05T10:12:00.000-10:00

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

2006-07-02T08:37:00.000-10:00

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

2006-07-01T17:31:00.000-10:00

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

2006-06-23T09:13:00.000-10:00

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

2006-06-11T17:07:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-06-03T19:32:00.000-10:00

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...

2006-06-03T06:40:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-31T11:07:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-05-31T09:46:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-05-30T18:04:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-30T13:04:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-05-29T09:25:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-28T10:42:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-26T19:40:00.000-10:00

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?

2006-05-25T17:52:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-25T15:30:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-24T11:00:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-05-24T10:10:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-23T18:16:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-23T18:14:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-21T20:34:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-05-20T14:03:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-20T13:31:00.000-10:00

I forgot to show you the post-bath picture!

Lucas catches a mouse and gets a bath!

2006-05-19T19:40:00.000-10:00

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?

2006-05-18T15:36:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-17T13:31:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-17T10:27:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-17T06:49:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-16T15:52:00.000-10:00

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

2006-05-14T16:55:00.000-10:00

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.

Lucas has been spotted

2006-05-14T10:19:00.000-10:00

Good news, Lucas has come out of hiding. He isn't inside the house but he is doing VERY well! He looks even healthier than before and happy as well. I live in a very safe area so he will be fine since he is staying close.

Update

2006-05-13T08:10:00.000-10:00

Lucas is not home yet. I am having a lot of trouble with blogger.com so it's been hard to post lately but I will let you know when he comes home.

Lucas escaped the house

2006-05-12T13:46:00.000-10:00

Unfortunately I came home from work and found that Lucas had pushed out the window screen and jumped out the window. I found his diaper as you can see. I live in a remote area and it takes a long time to get so far that you cannot see the house. I am hoping he gets hungry and comes home soon. I really panicked when I realized he was missing! But I have a feeling he is pretty close. I already walked around and under the house and didn't see anything but I'm sure he's having the time of his life.

What's wrong with this picture?

2006-05-11T09:27:00.001-10:00

Before I post the picture, I want to respond to comments.

Whether Lucas is at the vets or the cat sitter's house, he will not be wearing a diaper. And either way, he will be in some kind of cage. The crate will be lined with absorbent materials and should be changed frequently. His bottom should also be wiped frequently so it doesn't get irritated. I'll probably have them apply desitin. But money is definitely an issue and Lucas was free but he's not cheap so saving 110 dollars is definitely a good thing.

Also I have to look back and see what I said but Leisa is human and the one that sent the care package with all the Nutro! The white cat is actually Nique. Sorry Leisa, although I suppose being called a cat is a compliment to all of us. =)

9 dollars a day for vet boarding in OK, wow!

Ok so now....what is wrong with this picture?

About those comments...

2006-05-10T19:17:00.000-10:00

In response to some comments...

Regular boarding is 19 dollars a day at Central Maui Animal Clinic. But Lucas will be on the hospital side for an extra 12 dollars a day. I did talk to my future cat sitter and she might board him at the house but he won't be in diapers, he will be in a crate. It would be 100 dollars for the week instead of 210. We'll see. She won't be sitting at my house, she doesn't live close enough, but she has a few people that work for her. How much is boarding where you all live? I think the cat sitting is 15 a day regardless of how many cats.

I am not sure if the Boo Boo Zoo boards animals. I haven't even gotton around to calling about Lucas. I am much better with email, I am terrible with phoning.

Thanks for your input on how to respond to comments. I will just try to respond in my next post. I really want to check out everyone else's blogs but things are pretty crazy right now. I am so preoccupied with the move, and Lucas, and money, and finishing off the school year.

I really love comments, I am a feedback addict, so thank you very much for taking the time to respond to my blog!

Drat...

2006-05-10T17:48:00.000-10:00

Well I got two onesies from babyGap today. They are TOO small but otherwise they would have been perfect! Click here to see. They have a snap on one side and the neck hole is small enough so that it would not fall off. But they don't have the right size in stock!

The onesies I have will work with some adjustments but the difference is they have folds at the shoulders so the neck can open to allow the head, I'm assuming. I hope that makes sense. Click here for a regular onesie. I guess they are called "lap shoulders".

Also I have to take something back because Mango Mart and the Molokai Drugstore do sell a few onesies. They are ridiculously overpriced though, like most everything here.

The prince is spoiled...rotten!

2006-05-09T19:02:00.000-10:00

Lucas received two packages in the mail today from two very special fellow cat lovers! I just cannot even believe how much stuff they sent for him!

I brought the boxes in from the car and Lucas was immediately all over them, rolling around, rubbing on everything, and generally just acting....STONED!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did not know what was going on at first! Sure enough, one of the packages had plenty of catnip! And boy, Lucas went nuts! I thought kittens did not respond to catnip but boy oh boy....I am going to be posting a video so check back!

Thanks so much to Leisa and Jackie for the GOODIES! You really have spoiled Lucas and the rest of us and it made my day! You are both way too sweet! Here are some pictures!

I just ran out of Chicken Soup and had to buy Purina Friskies so this is going to come in handy because Lucas' poop was getting soft on the low quality food and he was pooping more which is NOT fun for me! Look at all that food! And the onesies are the perfect length!

Here are Nique and Lucas checking out the goods! More canned food which is so nice because Lucas' coat is still very thin and bare! It also makes medicating him easier!

Lucas loves his new toy!

I love this toy! It is so adorable!

Lucas on catnip!

Here is Lucas in a onesie. The length is good but the shoulders open up, I guess for the babies head, so it falls off. So I need to make some adjustments, ack, I am terrible at stuff like this!

Talking back??

2006-05-09T09:39:00.000-10:00

I need help from the more experienced bloggers. How do I respond to comments? Am I supposed to add a comment? Do you check the comment section for replies? Do I answer in my blog? Make a comment on your blog? Email you? I am used to a forum conversation so I am not sure how to answer your questions or say thank you!

Also how does Secret Paws work and how can I sign up?

Thanks!

(Lucas just bit my ankle!)

Boarding for Gold

2006-05-08T19:43:00.000-10:00

I just found out it is going to cost 30 dollars to board Lucas, PER DAY! I have to leave for one week in August. That is going to cost 210 dollars PLUS 100 dollars for the cat sitter! I am freaking out!

A list for Lucas

2006-05-08T13:06:00.000-10:00

I am a list writer. Here are the supplies needed to take care of Lucas, other than food and water!

1. A costco supply of babywipes
2. Size one diapers
3. Desitin
4. Liquid bandaid spray
5. Tons of puppy pads and/or newspaper
6. Large dog crate for containment.
7. Nature's Miracle or Petastic for Cats
8. Methylcobalamin
9. Scissors for cutting holes in diapers
10. Lots of small garbage bags for disposing waste.
11. Onesies or Joybies' Piddle Pants.
12. Baby shampoo for frequent "butt baths".
13. Lots of small towels.
14. Antiobiotics
15. Prednisone
16. Carpet steam cleaner
17. Spray bottle for bullying discipline! =)
18. Pill pockets...but I don't have any

I love Picasa

2006-05-07T20:47:00.000-10:00

Picasa (by google) is so much fun not to mention free, I could play around on it for hours! You can do some cool stuff with your pictures. Here are three of Lucas!

Operation: Express Bladder

2006-05-07T13:12:00.000-10:00

I expressed Lucas' bladder for the first time this morning! Yah! It was sort of by accident. I was holding him trying to wipe him clean and WHEW, there it went! I was thinking oooh I have to remember where I have my hands! It would be so much easier if I could just get the urine out all at once! Much cleaner too. Hopefully I can do it again tonight! Here are two pictures.

Here he is terrorizing Nanaimo.

What a disaster...but with a ray of hope

2006-05-06T21:11:00.000-10:00

Tonight was terrible. I ran out of puppy pads a couple days ago which is making my life a lot more difficult. Then today, I ran out of newspaper! So I decided to change his smelly diaper in the bathroom, easy clean up right? Not!

Ugh I left him for a second to get a trash bag and when I got back there was pee EVERYWHERE! On the counter, on the floor everywhere, and of course he stepped in it and was shaking his feet and spraying pee pee everywhere! It went from bad to worse. Pee on my feet, pee on my pajamas, pee everywhere! I actually just got to the point where I had no idea what to do, I was just crouching there with him between my knees, holding a clean diaper he sprayed with...yep...PP!

Then I put him in the tub, he peed twice, STEPPED in it, dragged in tail in it, I just could NOT get on top of things! Finally I got him diapered, ignored his growls and wiped his feet off, and let him go so I could clean up.

The ray of hope is this....and I might be grasping at straws here but honestly I've never thought that he would regain control of his bowels or bladder....so he got up on a cat carrier I had in the bathroom. It has a top door. You know how when cats go to the bathroom they sort of shuffle their feet a bit and kind of get things close together? Well he did that! And I thought to myself, wow it sort of looks like he's going to the bathroom. And then I even saw the bottom of his back flexing, like he was pooping. And I said, whatever Alisha, he's just sitting there. So he hops to the toilet, to the counter, and I watch him pee and he obviously has no idea. So I sigh and get a babywipe to clean it up. BUT when I look back. there was poop where he had been squeezing on the carrier! Most of it had fallen down because of the top door. but he definitely had been pooping. Did he realize it or even control it? Or was that his body taking over? I do not know. I really do not know. But I do feel that he has sensation in his genitals now because of the amount of growling he does when I wipe him. I wish I knew for sure though.

Are you crazy???

2006-05-06T09:12:00.000-10:00

Lucas is crazy. He actually seems to have Alpha Cat Syndrome - galensgranny, I need help! (The expert on this cat topic and many, many more plus some really wonderful people can be found at this great forum.) This morning he attacked Kikeli, my orange cat, after some yowling/howling.

Over a year ago, Kikeli smelled a stray cat on puppy Kiko and attacked to kill. The attacks were bad and they happened too many times. It took six months for them to be in the same room together without the cat attacking, and nine months for them to be fully reintegrated. It was hard work and there was always a little tension between the two. I think Kiko was traumatized and that's why he started getting aggressive with the kittens and cats.

I have also seen pre-adopted Kikeli attacking ferals/strays at night, literally trying to kill them. He is vicious. But in the home,. he is the most accepting of new kittens and cats. It's really quite strange how different the two sides of him are.

And Lucas is taking him on??? With his diaper and limp tail? Lucas went after Kikeli today and I mean cat fight not just hissing and swatting. I've seen him spitting out orange fur before too! And Kikeli got scared and he ran off! Not sure what to do about this. I know a lot about integration but I just do NOT have the energy to deal with this! I weant a peaceful home, and I have been working toward having a peaceful home for....hmmmm....a year and a half!

Myspace

2006-05-05T21:16:00.000-10:00

I created a page for Lucas on myspace, just for fun! Also, the feedback I am getting shows me that this special kitten is capable of inspiring people and I am hoping more people can hear his story and learn how to deal with disabled animals.

http://www.myspace.com/princediaper

The Boo Boo Zoo

2006-05-05T16:37:00.000-10:00

Since Lucas found me, I have emailed quite a few rescue organizations, humane societies, and people who foster animals. For the most part, no one has the time or room for Lucas which I expected. I do have one option, and that is The Boo Boo Zoo on Maui.

It's not that I do not want Lucas of course, it's just that I have four cats of my own and when I visited the house I will be renting, it was obvious there are quite a few strays that need to be fixed and homed, and two cats come with the house. I will be a lot busier and working full time so I figured if there is someone out there who will take excellent care of Lucas, that would be great. If not, I will figure something out.

Amputating a "no go"

2006-05-05T10:21:00.000-10:00

I emailed someone on Oahu who had to amputate her cats tail because she was self-mutilating. She told me that the surgery cost approximately 800 dollars in all. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be able to amputate. 800 dollars could TNR, vet, rescue, and rehome SO many animals over a long period of time and I don't have that kind of money unless I use my credit card which is a no no. I am just going to hope and pray that he never gets it caught or stuck in something.

Here are some sweet pictures to enjoy.

Methylcobalamin, will it help Lucas?

2006-05-05T09:43:00.000-10:00

The following quote was taken from this website.

"METHYLCOBALAMIN, a form of vitamin B12, has shown great benefit to cats (and people) with diabetic neuropathy and other neuromuscular diseases. Unlike regular B12 (cyanocobalamin), METHYLCOBALAMIN is active in spinal fluid. Because of this, it is able to help heal the damaged nerve cells and restore the signal between the brain and your cat's weakened muscles."

It might help Lucas, it might not. But I ordered some from this website and he's had three doses so far. There are 30 pills in the bottle. My vet ok'd it even though she has never heard of this treatment.

God is in my Blog

2006-05-05T07:15:00.000-10:00

Hi!
One thing I am really enjoying about my blog is freedom of speech. I understand that on public forums there have to be certain rules about what can and cannot be discussed because of the wide variety of cultures and views. But this is my blog, and I can say whatever I want! So here it is.

Many people have noticed the fantastic luck I have had with finding amazing homes for each of my rescues. I really do mean amazing, even perfect! Over and over again, and it's no easy task when you are looking for homes through the Internet that aren't even on the same island. People have also noticed that the neediest of animals have been finding me, even though I am quite removed from the neighbourhoods around here.

Well, it isn't luck and it isn't coincidence. It is GOD! And I mean no disrespect to your beliefs, but like I said - this is my blog! God is the one finding these homes for my animals, God is the one sending me these animals...and God is the one that is giving me the strength to diaper and care for Lucas, and say good bye over and over, and he is also providing the finances when things become a heavy burden.

Oh and not just that. God found me this amazing rental on Maui that not only allows my four permanent cats, but FOSTERING as well. It is truly a miracle in my mind that I could this wonderful landlord and home through craigslist.com!

God, you are my strength and my rock. I know you love these animals even more than I do. I know you suffer when you see one of your kittens starving in the middle of nowhere. I know it hurts you to see a dog chained and abused. And I thank you for giving me the opportunity to help the animals YOU created and put in OUR hands to care for. They are a blessing and a joy.

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10

Proverbs 27:23: Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." Genesis 1:26

Prince Diaper's foster siblings!

2006-05-04T13:51:00.000-10:00

Prince Diaper is not my first rescue. I want to tell you a little bit about the other animals that have changed my life. Click here and here for my other websites.

Nanaimo is my very first cat. I adopted him from a shelter in California in 2003 when he was 8 weeks old. He's pretty sassy and a bit of a passive aggressive loner. He only likes to cuddle when I am sitting on the toilet. It's funny. He is named for my favorite dessert - Nanaimo Bars - found in Canada. (I'm Canadian.)

Nique was adopted from the same shelter but he was sent straight to the vets to get neutered. Nique is short for unique because he has a black spot on his head and heel.

Kikeli was a friendly stray that lived around my house here on Molokai. I swore I would not adopt him but he is orange...and sweet...and cuddly....how could I resist?

Grey was also a friendly stray that lived around my house but she wasn't keen on the other cats so I found her a great home on Oahu.

Vayna is a tortie kitten that I found eating from Grey's food dish one day. She was tiny and skinny. I started meeting her with canned food every morning and evening and she would be waiting for me. I adopted her permanently but she is still a tad wild. However she is the baby of the family and always goes to the other cats for snuggles. What a mystery this cat is...the vet found lots of little scars but no spay scar, however he found no uterus! We'll never know what happened to her. She did disappear for a couple months after I first spotted her though.

Stracey was laying on my porch when I came back from vacation in California last summer. She was pregnant. I made the difficult decision to spay her before the kittens were born. She was so cuddly but VERY difficult with the other cats and my dog. She went to a nice home in Honolulu.

I went to the movies one night and my friend pointed out two screaming and half starved kittens that were outside. It was SO bad I could not leave them. They went home with me. I had them for about four months and named them Kuhio and Kalani. Kuhio ended up having a severe heart murmur. I paid for a heart ultrasound by winning a photo contest on animalattraction.com. I had a lot of people voting for me to help! We flew to Oahu for the day and the vet was amazing. Giving those two up was the hardest thing but they went together to a wonderful family willing to deal with Kuhio's heart condition and possibly short life expectancy.

Then came Screech, who is now Bettis. He was found on the side of the road by a tourist. A lady took him in but was not healthy enough to care for him so her friend stopped by once a day. Screech was in a cage with the worst case of ringworm I have ever seen. One day I drove over and when no one answered the door, I took him and left a note in the cage explaining. He was in such bad shape and needed to be in a home with lots of attention.

After Screech went to his awesome family on Oahu, I got an email about a dumped cat. I drove to the east end to pick him up, and because he is the tallest and biggest cat I have ever seen - I named him Samson. He has rejected the indoor life but I live in the country and it's pretty safe out there. I hope to find him a good home soon.

Now the dogs.

Kiko has been with me for almost two years. I found him in a neighbourhood one day. he was the runt and in HORRIBLE shape. I picked him up and saw literally 50 fleas crawling on his stomach, and he was just one pound! The litter was so big he had no chance so I put him in my purse and took him home. I have learned a lot and love him deeply. I made the difficult decision a couple months ago to rehome him because of some serious food aggression issues that made it impossible for him to be trusted around the cats, especially alone. Not wanting this social and energetic herding dog to be crated all day, I found a wonderful family for him on Oahu. He will have a doggy friend, one thing he sorely missed after Moxie was rehomed. And he will have two kids to play with, kids are his favorite. And for the first time he will have a yard. So I am terribly sad to see him go but know it's best for all of us.

Moxie was a tough one too. I loved her so much. She showed up at my house one morning in her first heat. She was so gentle and loving and obedient. I wanted to keep her so badly. But God found her the BEST home in Hilo and she gets a human that stays home all day. She has a cat friend and three doggy friends. I cried hard when I put her on the plane but it was a rewarding rescue. She and Kiko were the best of friends and Kiko missed her so much.

This has all happened in less than two years! These animals have kept me very busy which I appreciate because I am in the boondocks and there isn't much else to do here. Each of them has touched my heart.

Thank you bloggers!

2006-05-04T12:02:00.000-10:00

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to thank you for all the comments! Blogging is definitely a lot more fun when you get feedback. I am used to forum style so forgive me for being a bit slow with responding. This is my first blog and I must say, I am a bit clueless! So if you have any blogging tips, feel free to share!

Someone asked if they could put my blog on their page, yes of course! And someone asked if Lucas should get his tail amputated - yes that will likely be happening after I move to Maui. I am going to call the vet to get a quote so I can start saving up for that surgery.

I must say, this is a lot easier because I have great people supporting me! I got an email from two people just recently. One has sent me a flat rate priority mail box stuffed with canned and pouched food because the best I can get here is Fancy Feast and its overpriced, and another person went to a thrift store and got me a few infant onesies to keep Lucas' diaper on! I just am overwhelmed by the support and I know that Lucas is MUCH better off because of everyones help. So thank you to all!

Prince Diaper Goes to School!

2006-05-04T11:37:00.000-10:00

I teach at an old fashioned one room church school and live right next door. Yesterday, I decided to bring Lucas to school with me so he wouldn't have to be in the dog crate. It worked really well so I'll probably bring him for the rest of the year, we have five weeks left. He's enjoying climbing on everything, snoozing, and playing with whatever he can find.

Whoa...I didn't know there was a hundred trillionths place!"

"What do you mean there's no nap time scheduled?"

What is normal?

2006-05-03T19:55:00.000-10:00

I like this photo because Lucas looks like a normal kitty since you cannot see the diaper. And he really is just like any other kitten.....playful, mischevious, affectionate, and funny to watch. He just got his three meds in some canned food, and now it's time for a quick bath before bed. He's gonna LOVE that! Right!

.

You've got kitty mail!

2006-05-03T10:24:00.000-10:00

A few days ago I got a few things in the mail.

First, I got a donation of some diaper pads that you insert into washable diapers. The diapers were too small unfortunately so I will have to find a different use for these.

Second, I got some x-small disposable puppy diapers. However, as you can see, they are MUCH too big and completely ineffective! I had a good laugh.

A few people from handicappedpets.com suggested that maybe the newborn diapers were a bit too small for Lucas. I went to Friendly Market, the island's main grocery store, and picked up the cheapest package of diapers I could find. They are size 1 Drypers and they are a tad big but they do look more comfortable.

Lucas can bite hard!

2006-05-03T10:15:00.000-10:00

Lucas might look cute in his diaper, but it's quite a challenge to get him in one. First, there is the growling, hissing, and biting. He is quite a fiesty fellow. I have to move fast to avoid bleeding but unfortunately I don't work well with my hands. The other problem is the big mess. He always needs to be cleaned with babywipes but that stimulates urination which can go on for five minutes. So cleaning really makes more of a mess until I can get his bladder empty. I also have to stimulate his bowels so then I have to deal with stinky poop. Finally when I get him emptied, I can attempt to put on the diaper. I go through baby wipes and puppy pads like crazy. In fact, I just ran out of puppy pads and desperately need to find an affordable online provider. I've mentioned this before but the island of Molokai is quite remote and many items are not available or extremely expensive.

The other worry is infection and urine scald. That urine is potent stuff especially on a kittens delicate skin. I learned that you can use a liquid bandage spray to create a barrier between Lucas' skin and urine. My vet suggested using Desitin instead, especially because Lucas does not lick his private area so we don't have to worry about him ingesting anything toxic. I think he does not lick that area because he has no feeling.

Success!

2006-05-02T17:46:00.000-10:00

Nanaimo, the first cat I ever adopted, was the one that helped Lucas feel comfortable in his diaper. That was not his intention however! Nanaimo is a fraidy cat that likes to dominate, even though he cannot follow through. Nanaimo went over to Lucas and bit his neck, and the kitten did not like that at all! I heard a screech and saw Lucas chasing Nanaimo. Lucas completely forgot about his diaper in that moment and since then, he walks and runs quite normally in it. Here are some cute pictures of Lucas in his first diaper, newborn size.

The Diaper Challenge

2006-05-02T17:30:00.000-10:00

Two days after the vet trip, I flew to Honolulu for a meeting and had time to go to Walmart first. I picked up some supplies....newborn diapers, some baby wipes, and some puppy pads. I was determined to diaper this kitty so he could play and run around the house without making a mess! Boy oh boy, what a challenge! Here are some videos of the first diaper. It was pretty hilarious.

He did not do well at first but he has improved a lot! Turn your volume on for this video!

To the vet we go!

2006-05-02T17:09:00.000-10:00

Luckily, I had a flight booked to Maui so that I could find a rental since I am moving there in June. I was able to book Lucas at a veterinary office in Kahului. I was going to put him in cargo because of the diarrhea but I decided to fast him the night before so that he could go in the cabin with me in a delta sherpa. Getting through security was a bit scary because I was worried diarrhea would be flying! We made it though. Here is a picture of us in the Kahului Airport!

I was actually very worried that I would have to euthanize Lucas, which would have been so very sad. The appointment was for 9am and we landed at 7am. I took the shuttle to Alamo and rented a car. Off to Walmart we went, since my island is very remote and is lacking in many items. I put the Sherpa with Lucas in the cart and started shopping but my stomach felt queasy because I was worried about the vet results. I bought a bag of treats and a can of fancy feast that would serve as a last meal in case Lucas would be euthanized.

The vet pretty much told me what I expected. She confirmed Lucas was male. He had some neurological damage, possibly a pulled or broken tail. He came up FIV/FELV negative and his fecal was negative too, but he was given some dewormer. The vet and I decided to give him some more time to regain control of his bowels. She prescribed some antibiotics and anti-inflammatory for the urine scalding on his privates. The office kept him for the day so I could do some shopping and check out rentals. Then I picked him up and we went back to the airport to fly home to Molokai.

In the crate

2006-05-02T17:04:00.000-10:00

At this point, I realized that he had no control over his bowels and bladder but I wasn't sure waht that meant or if it was permanent. I moved Lucas into a crate so that clean up would be easier. He was so pitiful looking, I felt terrible for him.But after a day or two he started feeling better, which was a huge relief.

Diarrhea everywhere!

2006-05-02T16:36:00.000-10:00

That first day after work, I gave Lucas a bath and he was looking much better.

I also went out and bought a case of canned food to help cover his bones. He was so affectionate, purring away in my lap. At that point, I did not realize he had no control over his bowels and bladder.

The next morning, however, I realized that Lucas had terrible diarrhea. It was everywhere. And it would continue for a few days. I put him on a bland diet of white rice, cottage cheese, and canned chicken which helped a lot.

Prince Diaper

2006-05-02T14:12:00.000-10:00

Prince Diaper's real name is Lucas. Lucas used to be a stray kitten. One morning, I walked outside and saw him meowing at my neighbours door. Even though strays keep showing up around my house, I am always surprised. I put my things down and walked closer to be sure it wasn't one of my own that had escaped. It wasn't. I made kissy sounds and he ran right over. He was skittish but once I touched him, he melted and begged for more. I put him in my bathroom with a litterbox, food, and water and left for work.

When I got home, I realized that things weren't quite right. He was so skinny and he stank so bad, which is somewhat expected of a stray. But I could not figure out whether he was male or female. Something looked very strange and wrong in the genital area. I took a few pictures to get input from other cat lovers. The pictures are not very pleasant so I will create a hyperlink so you can choose whether or not to look at one, right here.

Soon after I realized that his tail was always down, and not raised when he greeted me, which is typical of a cat. I started touching it and moving it around and I realized his tail was paralyzed.