Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: DaveD on June 12, 2007, 23:23:12 PM

Title: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on June 12, 2007, 23:23:12 PM
I don't know whether we're still not supposed to post pics of cats we've entered into the show, but in case we're not, I promise that this isn't Neit! It's Sonia, my new foster, as of today. (This is the first time I've fostered.)
She's got a lot of health problems, and isn't expected to last very long, but if she didn't come here she may have ended her days in a cage at the vets. She's already made herself at home here, though she's not met the others yet!
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF1802.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF1804.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF1805.jpg)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: CurlyCatz on June 12, 2007, 23:25:54 PM
she's lovely, whats her health probs ? she doesnt look ill really.

Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on June 13, 2007, 00:00:10 AM
Hyperthyroidism and liver problems. She's on a prescription diet and two lots of tablets. The vet said earlier that she had diarrhoea, but that seems to have cleared up, touch wood.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Mark on June 13, 2007, 00:12:17 AM
She's a gorgeous girl. I have a soft-spot for black cats. I'm glad that she is going to see her days out in a proper home instead of a pen (although that is better than some have)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on June 13, 2007, 00:22:47 AM
She doesn't act ill either, if that makes sense. She's a bit nervous, but no more than I would expect on her first day in a new home. (a lot less, in fact!)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 13, 2007, 07:47:33 AM
Aww, bless her, and you for giving her a go. Depending on her liver issues, she could have longer than you think, it can be amazing what a home environment can make to them.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on June 13, 2007, 07:51:42 AM
I hope so, she's already a part of my life, quicker than I thought she'd be, though with three cats already I should know better!
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: CurlyCatz on June 13, 2007, 07:56:21 AM
I agree you might hopefully still be posting pics in a couple of years  ;D
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 13, 2007, 07:57:21 AM
I have to admit that the only 2 fosters I have really let myself get attached to are the ones I have taken on to 'end their life out here' - Molly is still here 18 months later though, but hers was just depression, not health.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on June 13, 2007, 08:09:28 AM
I got some chicken ready for her yesterday, but was tokd she shouldn't have a high protein diet, (unless I misheard) so the other cats are eating well! Sonia's getting a little bit of the chicken though, about as big as my thumb each time, and she likes it so much she nearly has my thumb too! She has such a zest for life that she certainly isn't going to just roll over and die.
I hope I'm doing right in letting her have tiny amounts of chicken - it's certainly making it easier to give her tablets!
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 13, 2007, 08:11:58 AM
Chicken should be fine - Snowy had liver probs, and when she wouldn't eat k/d, the vet said to put her on a pure chicken diet - think it is hte kind of protein they get from chicken rather than the fact it is high, if that makes any sense.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on June 13, 2007, 08:15:10 AM
It's just that I've never had to give diet, or health generally, such precise thought before, so I find I'm worrying more than usual. Ah well, we'll get used to each other soon!
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 13, 2007, 08:18:25 AM
That is normal - maybe a quick call to a vet would help? The only thing I found with a pure chicken diet with Snowy was that it took a lot to fill her up, so she ended up having to eat dry k/d too, cos I Could only afford 1 chicken breast a day!!
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Mark on June 13, 2007, 08:32:06 AM
High quality protein is fine. When Clapton refused the k/d, the vet said to feed him on cooked chicken & fish. He won't eat that now (maybe the odd bit of chicken but he won't eat fish) so I give give senior food and he seems to thrive on it.

I also read a couple of days ago that the protein in cooked egg is the highest "bio available" food there is. Something like 91% compared to raw egg at 50% and chicken even less.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on June 13, 2007, 08:44:04 AM
That's reassuring - she doesn't quite trust me enough to let me give her the tablets in the usual way (and I think I might be being too tentative as well!), so I'm hiding them in small pieces of chicken, which are going down very quickly!
I'll check with the vet shortly. (http://ak.imgfarm.com/images/fwp/smileytoday/small_thumbs_up.gif)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: littleKitten_(alex) on June 13, 2007, 10:02:14 AM
Aw, she's absolutely stunning!  :Luv:Do you know how old she is?

Well done for giving her a lovely home to spend the rest of her days in.     :)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on June 13, 2007, 10:04:34 AM
She was originally thought to be between 8 and 10 years old (she was a stray), but the vet thinks, with her medical problems, she may be older.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on June 17, 2007, 21:19:54 PM
How's Sonia getting on Dave?
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on June 17, 2007, 21:24:51 PM
She's settling in nicely, though the others tend to leave her alone!
She spends a lot of time on my lap, so much so that I keep getting cramp in my leg!  :rofl:
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF1920.jpg)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: ccmacey on June 17, 2007, 22:38:01 PM
She is lovely, she looks so velvety black  :Luv: Hope she can pull through her illness.  :)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: catzluva71 on June 18, 2007, 16:50:14 PM
 :cccooorrr:  :gimme:  :catlove:
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Baggy on June 18, 2007, 20:15:50 PM
She does look like a gorgeous girl, fingers crossed she'll be round for a long time  :Luv:
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on June 18, 2007, 20:40:50 PM
She's turned out to be a slobberer, but at least that means I know she's happy! :rofl:
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 19, 2007, 08:23:26 AM
Aww, bless her!!
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on August 09, 2007, 21:09:49 PM
A few more pics, now my internet works properly (rain stopped play, but I was lucky, no flooding)
These pics are from the last few days. Sonia's been here almost 2 months - not bad considering she wasn't expected to last more than a week!

(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2216.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2220.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2209-1.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2233.jpg)(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2230-1.jpg)(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2235.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2273.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2272.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2277.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2259.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2262.jpg)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 09, 2007, 22:50:18 PM
Sonia is stunning  ;D  and who are all the others ?
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on August 09, 2007, 23:08:35 PM
Neit (the other black one), Pimpernel (ginger), and Bramble (the tabby).
Sonia is shut away from them at night, just to be on the safe side (she probably doesn't have long left and I don't want to stress her too much) so they aren't on the friendliest of terms, and it could take a while.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 09, 2007, 23:18:09 PM
Oh yes I remember the names now from the cat show  ;D

I have forgotten what is wrong with dear Sonia
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on August 09, 2007, 23:48:28 PM
Hyperthyroidism (I think I've got that right) and liver failure. I've got a feeling she may be going back to the vet for another check-up, but we've already decided against any invasive examination - either she's going to get better, or more likely she's not, in which case there's no point in making her suffer during the short time she has left.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 09, 2007, 23:51:13 PM
Oh yes I agree with you.

Lots of cuddles to Sonia  ;D
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 10, 2007, 07:44:41 AM
She looks like she is doing well, and enjoying life. The only tests i would do at the vets is a blood test - cats can live long lives with both liver probs (Snowy had at least 10 months of raised liver enzymes before it developed into something more), and hyperthyroidism, she certainly looks like she has a will to live now.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Mark on August 10, 2007, 07:54:27 AM
Lets hope she's got plenty more life left in her yet - what an improvement!  :Luv:
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on September 14, 2007, 21:52:39 PM
Well I've got my internet connection working at full speed at last (http://209.85.48.12/9485/155/emo/luck.gif) so I'll post an update, and some pics.
Apparently Sonia was only expected to last about a week, but she's still here after 3 months! She seems to be more active than ever, and from time to time I have to chase her down the road, peering into other people's gardens, hoping they won't complain!  :rofl:
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2433b.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2432b.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2425.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2414.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2312b-1.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2272.jpg)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: CurlyCatz on September 14, 2007, 21:54:33 PM
Well she's still looking fantastic and not like she's going anywhere soon (fingers crossed)

Fantastic job dave  :)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 14, 2007, 21:58:25 PM
Bless her.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Catjane on September 14, 2007, 22:03:04 PM
Awww ... she's beautiful!  :Luv:  The spit of my little Shanti :)  Let's hope a loving home will help to keep her health issues at bay - I'm sure she's in the very best of hands!
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on September 14, 2007, 22:08:57 PM
Go Sonia  :wow:  She looks like she's doing fabulously well, amazing what a good home and TLC can do  :) 

Good to see you back too Dave, was only thinking that I hadn't seen you about for ages the other day.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on September 14, 2007, 22:09:45 PM
On top of my internet problems, she insists on attention when I'm trying to type! I know I've spoilt her rotten, but she hasn't taken too much advantage, even though I can't sit down to dinner without her staring imploringly at my plate!  :rofl:
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on September 14, 2007, 22:17:21 PM
Sonia looks amazing and her eyes are wonderfully healthy looking, long live Sonia  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on September 14, 2007, 23:06:12 PM
I've just had a pizza, so of course I had to cut a few bits of cheddar to keep her occupied while I ate!
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on September 14, 2007, 23:06:47 PM
Of course you did  :rofl:
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Bazsmum on September 15, 2007, 09:15:50 AM
Aw Sonia is beautiful DaveD....she looks as happy as ever  ;D  :Luv:

....OOoo and i caught a glimpse of Pimpernel also  :Luv: :Luv:
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Ralph's mum (angie) on September 15, 2007, 09:25:49 AM
 :Luv: she got the cheekiest face ive seen in a while  :rofl: shes beautiful
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Ann Clarke (Tabby cat) on September 15, 2007, 11:29:06 AM
She's looking fabulous Dave  :Luv: fingers crossed she continues the way she is. TLC can do an awful lot  ;D
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on September 15, 2007, 22:24:07 PM
A couple more pics of Sonia indoors...
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF1931.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF1930.jpg)

...and out...
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2069.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2195.jpg)
...and on the threshold.
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2175.jpg)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Bazsmum on September 15, 2007, 22:55:19 PM
 :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Ellie on September 15, 2007, 23:26:01 PM
Sonia is gorgeous  :Luv:

All your love and attention as paid huge dividends  ;D

I love the pic of Sonia on the threshold  :Luv: looks like she saying "Get that camera out of my face now"  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on September 25, 2007, 00:27:20 AM
It's been slow going getting Sonia socialised with the others, because I kept her separate for quite a while to start with. She was so weak I couldn't take the risk of them using her litter tray, or sharing food bowls, and passing on something that they could more easily shake off. She's much stronger now, so I think it's worth the risk. She now has the run of the house, and is getting more confident all the time, even going to pinch their food! Until today she'd only do that if there was a maximum of one cat in her path, but she had to pass all three.
This was taken a few minutes ago, with Neit on the left.
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/DSCF2506.jpg)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Beccles on September 25, 2007, 01:47:58 AM
Gosh, Sonia looks JUST like Ollie  :Luv:

Ollie was only meant to last a few weeks, too... he's the same as Sonia, a palliative-care foster.

He arrived in early October.  :-:

Getting very wobbly now, but hey - I've stopped trying to second-guess him now. He'll let me know when it's time for him to go.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 25, 2007, 07:50:23 AM
Glad that she is doing well and starting to get on with the others.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on November 23, 2007, 17:23:49 PM
I recently got a new bit of software that allows me to make morhing pics, and this one sums up Sonia nicely, still full of beans after 5 1/2 months!
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/DaveD_05/MyCats/SoniaMorph.gif)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: blackcat on November 23, 2007, 18:40:59 PM
wow!! that's amazing - what a fun bit of software!!! ;D
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on November 23, 2007, 18:58:40 PM
Somehow I've ended up with two copies (legitimate copies that is!) I wonder what I can do with the other one. (http://209.85.48.12/9485/155/emo/whistle.gif)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: blackcat on November 23, 2007, 19:00:05 PM
hmmmmmmmm I wonder.... :idea: there are some very creative types on this forum... and there is an auction coming up in the near future ... ;)
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on November 23, 2007, 19:07:16 PM
I've got some duplicates of other software too. Some of it has manuals, so I'm going to have to weigh them to work out the postage!
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: blackcat on November 23, 2007, 19:12:20 PM
good man!!! may have to be careful about product description in case of breaches of law etc, so PM enquiries for details perhaps?
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on November 23, 2007, 19:19:07 PM
No problem, I was going to give the software away anyway, so I rang the company up and asked if that was OK. Apart from the Morphing program, all the software is made by Serif, and they want the programs distributed (so long as they aren't illigal copies) and they were very happy for me to pass it on to anyone. The morphing program was distributed by Serif, so that one's OK too.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: blackcat on November 23, 2007, 19:20:43 PM
Oh good news. More money for our babes!!! Would love the morphing stuff for myself but would only play with it a while then stop using it. Some of our peeps can use it more effectively I am sure...
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Rosella moggy on November 23, 2007, 21:28:32 PM
Just read through this whole threadand am going to sign off now with a lovely happy tail to dream about. Really well done Dave. Sonia is fab. Neit too of course.
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 23, 2007, 22:31:27 PM
Ooooooooo I like the sound of this...............25th is coming , is coming soon  :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: Sonia
Post by: DaveD on November 28, 2007, 02:34:45 AM
Click here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnG1eXGifnU) for a video of Sonia demanding food!