New blog

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

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!