🚀 go-pugleaf

To all the rec.pets.cats regulars who patiently explain over and over
that a cat urinating out of its litter box may indicate urinary tract
problems, I say A THOUSAND THANKS!  I've even repeated that information
myself, but now it has hit home.

I posted several days ago that Unit 3, who had previously tested OK
on his urinalysis, was acting strangely and peeing in unauthorized
places.  Wednesday night it came to a head when I discovered that he
had peed on my bed.  I didn't get mad, I didn't punish or try to
correct him, and I took him to the vet first thing Thursday morning.

Sure enough, the doc reported that Unit 3's urine contained sediment,
bacteria and even red blood cells.  Some good news too:  No crystals,
no sign of blockage.  Surely he was experiencing some discomfort in
urinating, which explains his behavior (frantic calls, scratching at
the side of the bathtub, scratching a glass door, begging to be let
outside at all hours, etc.).

Two years ago I was almost completely ignorant of the problem of
cystitis (bladder infection) and related urinary problems.  Most of
my cats have been spayed females.  I recall only one incident of a
female cat of mine getting a bladder infection.  Most sources agree
the problem is more common in males.

I learned most of what I know about feline urinary tract health by
reading rec.pets.cats.  Everybody please give yourselves a pat on the
head and have a raw shrimp or two on me.  You guys may have helped
prolong the life of my 17-pound orange friend Unit 3, also known as
"Little Kitty".  He had to spend a full 24 hours in a cage without
me around to yell at.  He's home now.  I'll be giving him amoxycillin
for the next 10 days or so unless his culture indicates another agent.

Good veterinary care costs money.  If you can't afford the annual
exams and an occasional emergency, please get a goldfish instead of
a cat or dog.  [FWIW care for exotics like birds and reptiles can be
very expensive, but I've found my desert tortoise to be nearly free
of maintenance requirements as long as he has the proper environment.]

Starting to ramble now.  A sure sign I have said enough.  You folks are
terrific.  This newsgroup ROCKS!

David R. Voth, Boiqat the Terrible, and Unit 3
San Diego, California  USA

--
See http://www.frenchu.com/tpg


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