The Request of Urinalysis

Test results came back that I am doing essentially - well - other than my kidney level being on the high end of normal.  Because of this, as a precautionary measure and to rule out that I am not going into kidney failure the vet has requested a urinalysis.

This sounds painful upon learning the explanation of this and reading about it online: 

http://cats.lovetoknow.com/cat-health-health-problems/understanding-cat-urinalysis

To all my prayer warriors out there - please pray for me, my strength, and my health.

Thank you. 

Check Up!

One year ago, I went to the vet for a check up, and started acting lethargic for a couple of days after...it alarmed my ma because it wasn't the typical post-vet lethargy. 

She brought me back to the vet, and after some tests were done, I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure.  I have since been on medications and have visited the doctor many times this year for follow up echo cardiograms (ultrasounds), ex-rays, blood tests... so exhausting.

I used to never fight to get in to the carrier. Back in Florida, it always meant we were visiting someone fun who would play with me! Now, it just means I am going to the doctor.

Today was my annual physical and shots appointment.  The doctor also took my blood just to see how my organs are handing all the medicines I take.

We will find out the results on Monday.

Stivali went to the vet with me for her check-up, too.  Doctor said she is doing great... just a little opinionated about the situation. She wouldn't stop talking during her exam. :)

Please pray for us, thank you.

My room with a view...

Stray Cat View.

For two days it has been snowing where I live. I stare out the window and enjoy the view.

It seems to be windy and chilly, and I am not begging to go out there…

In a couple of weeks, it will be 10 years since I found Mamma.

10 years.  For about 8 months (or it coulda been a year, I am not sure about the timing), I was a street cat before she let me in to her warm farmhouse. I am very blessed.

My breed on average lives 12-15 years, I do not know if that is because of heart conditions (typical ailment of my kind) – as that seems very young to me.  We are meant to endure weather conditions, but it sounds like not for very long.  Sad to know it is imminent.  I think of Nonno Tony – my mamma’s father.  He is 74 years old, and still so active and energetic.   He too has a sickness, and it doesn’t let him down, it doesn’t stop him from working every day as a carpenter – he enjoys it.  He is my inspiration to take my medicines, to exercise daily a little, and to make sure my mamma is happy.

For example: I jump on her head in the early morning and wake her.  I lick her forehead if she doesn’t fully wake upon my jump.  She says “no” and “stop” but always follows both words with loving pets, so I continue to lick her and paw her hair until she says, “no” and “stop” again so that I can get a few minutes of those fabulous pets before she falls back to sleep.  If I feel restless, even if it is 4:30 or so in the morning, I pat her head again with my paw, and if that doesn’t stir her from her slumber, I will lick her forehead again, or move down to her cheek… it is a routine I repeat until I can get into my little nook to be held like a human baby and be pet until she gets out of bed to feed me…

I know this morning ritual makes her very happy.

I do not mind when it snows, it forces her to stay home, and that makes me very happy.

A little robin outside my window. 

Happy March

Today is a beautiful day in March.

As you may recall, I lost my balcony privileges a while ago.

Today is a beautiful day in March.

My mamma goes outside, to take out the garbage, to leave for a Starbucks, to check the mail, to check the weather… and on a beautiful day in March like today, why can’t I join her?

My sister, Stivali, sits by the window, soaking in the sun, all the while, not having the desire in her heart that I do. I want out. I want to get outside. I want to be out. To feel the wind on my face, the grass on my paws, the cool air on my fur, and the warm sun on my back.

Today is a beautiful day in March.

Maybe you got to go out there and experience it for yourself.  Maybe, just maybe, I will, too.

All day long, I have sat by the screen door in hopes that I could will it open, or sneak out behind my mother…

Sigh... the life of an indoor Maine Coon.

When a mouse toy is murdered.

When I woke up, I was surprised to find a toy I have had my entire life murdered on the floor.
Broken hearted, I tried to play with it to see if there was any "life" left in its fabric and stuffing.  I did not understand how this could happen... did I not protect my mouse well enough? :(



Before my sadness could be lifted, the culprit arrived at the scene of the crime: 

My sister, Stivali, showed no sign of remorse. This mouse was part of our toy family prior to Stivali's homecoming, so she did not have the same type of loyalty and commitment to her, I guess.

Sadness.

What I think of Valentine's Day.

Sweet Puffball Pose 01

Most men enjoy boudoir photos from their companion on Valentine's Day... or any day, really.  Here are my best attempts.  It is not every day you see such seductive photos of a male cat. Am I wrong?

My newest and most beloved nic-name came today from one of my favorite humans, Cheryl: "Sweet Puffball".  

These photos are lovingly named the same.

Sweet Puffball Pose 02

My personal favorite - a pose no feline could resist! 

I really don't have much affection for the day of Valentine's.  My mamma and sister love on me all year long, we don't need a special day to be loving.

I will mention that the actual saint is Italian, like mamma.  He was a martyr who died on February 14. He is the patron saint of engaged couples, married couples, and love.

For those who celebrate today - celebrate love.  For those who feel lonely today - may I suggest rescuing a shelter animal to give your heart to?  They will give you love like no other in return.

Happy Valentine's Day, Readers.  May peace and love be with you today, and always. 

What does a groundhog know that a Maine Coon doesn't?

This week, we celebrated "Groundhog Day" - a tradition that came to Pennsylvania, America via German settlers in the late 1800's.

I do not understand this. If you look at a Maine Coon, we too, can predict how long the winter will be. I have stated many times before, that you don't need a groundhog to predict weather, just pet a Maine Coon - like me.

My paw print on the balcony.

I can tell you how much longer winter will be by the fluff of my tail and the thickness of my coat.

Two local groundhogs gave two different predictions: Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day predicted 6 more weeks of winter as he saw his shadow. Staten Island Chuck did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring. According to his zookeeper, Chuck's record has been 80 percent correct.

I stand by Staten Island Chuck's prediction and declare with the fluff of my tail and the thickness of my coat that we will have an early spring this year.

Let's see what happens next...

Waiting for spring!