Thankful Thursday

Yesterday, Tanner and I spent the day at the vet school getting his annual Cardiology scans done.

Our appointment time was 9:30 and we were immediately taken into a room.  The technician came in to do a blood pressure check first thing.

Here is Tanner having his BP checked.  He did a great job and wasn't vocal in the least.  His pressure was a bit on the high side though.

Next, we had a 4th year student come in and talk with us, take vitals and do a quick exam.  He was very nice, but a bit too perky for my taste :)  Constantly called Tanner, "Love" or "sweetheart"...I'm thinking he's a boy cat.

Next, Perky student and a resident came it to tell me the game plan for the day and to see if I had questions.  No questions from me, so Tanner should be done in about an hour and a half.  Perfect...I'll be in the cafe.  I brough my laptop this time!

Get a call from them about noon, and they had had some emergencies come in, so Tanner was next on the list.  I grabbed a quick snack and kept working.

About 1:30 he was ready to go...

The doctors were all pleased to see him, and he did really well with his visit.  His original oncology doctor stopped by to see him as well and was happy with what she saw.  He really is a miracle boy!  They said that most cats with lymphoma do not make it as long as he has...I have to think he was all our purrs that have kept him going!

Now, on to the cardio report...

ASSESSMENT: We are thrilled that Tanner is doing well at home! On today’s examination Tanner looked happy and healthy. Based on today’s echocardiogram, Tanner’s heart disease has mildly progressed, characterized by slightly further enlargement of the left atrium. No medication adjustments are recommended currently, and refills of atenolol and clopidogrel were provided. Tanner’s blood pressure measured 220 mmHg upon arrival at the hospital and with repeated measurement was 180 mmHg. These blood pressure values are higher than we would like to see for Tanner; however, based on his temperament, these values may be artificially elevated by stress or excitement in the hospital. We recommend following up with Tanner’s primary care veterinarian to repeat a blood pressure measurement while he is calm and resting to determine whether Tanner should be treated for hypertension with oral medication (amlodipine)

All in all, everyone is pleased with him and we will keep doing what we are already doing.  I'll give his regular vet a call to see if he thinks he needs a BP recheck and go from there.

So today, I am thankful for a good report from the cardiologist.  I am also thankful for you, the faithful readers who have purred and supported my family through all of our challenges!  You have always been there for Tanner!

Happy Birthday Harrison

Happy 1st Birthday to my sweet Harrison, you and Flynn have made my family whole again.

Harrison is a talker.  He squeaks and chirps all the time!  His voice is still high and kittenish too.  

He loves to play.  His current favorite toy is the purr-peller.  He will drag his toy around the house and ask to play.  He also loves a couple of plastic springs.  He will carry them around and drop them in the water bowl in Aunties bathroom.  He will then proceed to dig them and the water out of the bowl!

He loves to snuggle in the bed.  He purrs and drools all over you.  He also enjoys nibbling on your fingers and toes.  He enjoys being held, and will sit close to you on the couch, but not in your lap.

Harrison is more cautious about new situations and will likely stay upstairs if we have company over.  It takes him longer to warm up to strangers.

Besides Flynn, Harrison loves Oliver the best.  He is Oliver's mini-me.  Always following him around and acting just like him at times!

Harrison and Flynn have been wonderful additions to my family.  They are funny, sweet and full of life.  We are once again, the Four Crazy Cats!

Mancat Monday

Tanner is being featured today for a few reasons.  One, he is the best at sitting still, so I can stack things on his paws!  Here he is with 13 rings.  Two, he is going tomorrow for his annual cardiology visit, so we would love good thoughts.  While he has HCM, his heart has been stable for the past 13 years, and he isn't showing any signs of having changes or trouble.  We are mainly going because they want to see him before they will refill his meds again :)

The Reveal

Monday, a mystery was posted.  There were some great guesses, but no one correctly identified all the owners of the cute paws below...here are the answers.

Today we have a bit of a mystery on our hands, or paws.  Can you tell which cat each foot belongs to?  Clue:  there is one paw for each cat.  Oliver, Harrison, Tanner, Flynn

Paw A - Harrison.

Harrison is the smallest of the boys, so his jelly bean toes are not as long.

Paw B - Flynn

Flynn has very long toes like Tanner...notice his jelly beans are very elongated.

Paw C - Oliver

Oliver has always slept with his back toes curled.  So precious!

Paw D - Tanner

Everyone guesses correctly on Tanner.  Wonder why he was so easy?  Notice though, he has really long toes just like Flynn.  Their back feet are at least an half inch longer than Harrison and Oliver's.

Mystery solved!

Happy Birthday Flynn

Wishing my sweet Flynn a Happy 1st Birthday!

Flynn is a laid back boy with the sweetest personality.  He loves to play and be included in what you are doing.  His favorite toy is a green stick and string.  He will push this stick all around the house.  

Flynn is very floppy and turns to mush when you try to pick him up!  He is a large boy weighing in at a whopping 14 pounds 6 ounces.  

Flynn loves catnip.  He will talk louder than ever when he sees fresh nip coming in from the garden.  Otherwise, he is a pretty quiet boy.

Flynn enjoys a snuggle in the bed.  He will lay right on top of you and purr while he gets some love.  He doesn't like to sit on the couch and snuggle anymore, but I hope he will come around.

He likes to pick on Sophie and make her squeal.  Sometimes he lays really close to her, and stretches his front feet out and see how close he can get before she growls.  He isn't touching her, but he is annoying her!  He is the pesky little brother at times.

Even with all his quirks, Flynn is a great addition to my family.  I am so happy he and Harrison came to live with me last June.  Tanner and Oliver have fully accepted them as brothers.  Our family is complete once again.

Mancat Monday

Today we have a bit of a mystery on our hands, or paws.  Can you tell which cat each foot belongs to?  Clue:  there is one paw for each cat.  Oliver, Harrison, Tanner, Flynn

Paw A

Paw B

Paw C

Paw D

Good luck!