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Expert: - 12/24/2009


Question
My cat Roxie is almost 2 years old and she won't play anymore.  In February she got treated for mites and they gave her a steroid that I didn't know would raise her risk 80% of getting the bad crystals in her bladder so of course less than a month later she was urinating pure blood.  She had terrible crystals and was put on the special "vet" food.  She had a terrible reaction to it.  Scratching all over her body until she was bloody and raw, pulling out most of her fur on her legs and belly, so I can't even pick her up without hurting her.  She has been consistently sick for 10 months and is only just starting to get over this food allergy.  Ever since she got sick she does not want to play in the slightest.  She use to play with anything and everything.  She is still so itchy that sometimes her head twitches a little.  Is there any way I can help make her more comfortable to play? She basically sleeps all day.  I don't know what else to do.......

Thanks for any tips or advise!
Samantha and Roxie

Answer
Hi Samantha,

Here's a link that I would like you to read. http://catinfo.org/index.htm
Please check out the links in it, especially this one. http://catinfo.org/feline_urinary_tract_health.htm
I believe if you put into use what Dr. Lisa has written about, Roxie will be on her way to getting better. I use the extra water in the food suggestion for all my cats. Out of 13 cats I have none with any urinary problem.

I think once you get your cat on the right track food wise her health will improve and her whole "play" attitude will follow. Remember how you feel when you are sick. You do not want to do anything but get better. You feel terrible and don't want to do anything. Roxie is feeling the same. Hopefully it won't be too long before Roxie is feeling better. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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