Hānaiāhuhu - Family Pets!

[Pomai]

Do you have a beloved family pet?

Dog? Cat? Pot Belly Pig? Octopus?

Are they your favorite companion? Like family? Hunter?

Any stories to share about your bond with them? Heartbreak? Were they your saving grace in time of despair or in an emergency?

------------------------------------------------

We have Shih Tzu Dogs, which are just as much a part of our family as flesh and blood. Love 'em!

We also have a salt water pond full of Piranha-like Talapia. Throw bread in the water and they go into a feeding frenzy beyond horror movie belief.

[Miulang]

We have 2 popoki, Shimai and Ku'u Hoku 'Alohi. Shimai (supposedly it means "last one" in Japanese, according to my Dad) was named thusly because he was the last of his litter of 5 to be adopted. He is now a 20 lb + behemoth whose main preoccupations are sleeping, foraging for food (obviously a mutant gene from his alley cat ancestors) and picking on Hoku. He's more like a dog in a cat suit.

Hoku was given that name because after my first cat died, I knew that I would get another cat, and that that cat's name would be Hoku, in honor of Hokulei'a. When I first saw Hoku's picture, the caption below it said the shelter had named her "Star". Knowing that "Star" in Hawaiian is Hoku, I knew she was destined to join our family. She is a Diva, capital D emphasized.

We don't "own" Shimai or Hoku, they own us! :D

Miulang

[Pomai]

"Popoki".. our Shih Tzu's know that word! Drives 'em nuts. They just hate cats. Basic instinct I suppose.

Cat in Hawaiian is "Popoki", dog is "ilio".

Cat in Japanese is "Neko", dog is "Inu".

My hanai aunty named her two dogs by their colors: "Shiro" which is the color WHITE in Japanese and "Kuro", which is BLACK in Japanese.

That would be another interesting discussion. What's in your pet's name?

I had a dog a while back named "Pumehana", which means "warm and affectionate". Which she was.

My mother used to own a pure breed poodle named "Jolie". She was named and given to mom from Henry Kaiser's wife way back when. When Jolie died of age and terminal arthritis, she cried for days.

We've learned that the best way to deal with a pet's death is to IMMEDIATELY replace it with a new one (puppy for example). The loss will kill you emotionally otherwise. Seriously. Don't loath. Just get a new one.

[alohabear]

I had two male guinea pigs, Kalua and Maui they were best friends ,but because of being with females the best friends turned on each other. They fought all the time so we had to separate them. BTW... we kept them on a thrid floor balcony. Well one day kalua was getting some air on the balcony, Maui jumped out of his house and the two fought. Before we knew it they rolled off three floors to the ground. Sadly, they both passed away. :(

[Pomai]

I used to rent a beach house down Kualoa, where we had a small salt water aquarium. Interestingly the chemical balance of the tank maintained rather well considering all we did was recycle new sea water from the ocean in our back yard.

We used to go out at low tide and grab all kinds of neat creatures from the tide pools and put 'em in there.

At one time we kept Candy Cane Shrimp, a 7-Eleven Crab, Baby Octopus and baby Morey Eel. What was cool was we had this hollow skull decoration at the bottom that the Eel would hide in. Whenever it got hungry, it would snake out of the skull eye.. that looked so evil-kind-of-cool! It tried time after time to take the Octopus out, but never succeeded. Fortunately the Octopus never INKED out the tank. Maybe it was too young? Not one fish survived the wrath of that Eel though. :eek:

Sadly, while we were at work one day, the LIVE incandescent light suspended from the hood somehow hood came loose and fell into the water. Electrocuted EVERYTHING in the tank. Man we were bummed. :(

If I had that tank today, I probably would name the Octopus "Squidward", the Eel "Spongebob" (becuase he always irked the Octopus), the crab "Mr. Crabs" and the Shrimp "Patrick" (since it seemed kinda' lolo). :D

[AuntieNellieKulolo]

I am owned by a 7-year old Senegal parrot named Lani Girl. She is a true tita-sweet and sassy but no get on her mean side or she going BITE you! :p She doesn't talk much but she loves to laugh, whistle and imitate various household noises such as the microwave beep, creaky doors, phone, etc. She loves to dunk her food in her water dish('parrot soup'--uji... :eek: ), snuggle under my chin, hang upside down from the top of her cage, and investigate whatever her human Mom is doing.

[Surfingfarmboy]

The common thread I see among this thread is that most people are "owned" by their pets. I'm no exception. I'm also owned by my cat. Simpson, as she is named, is the queen of my household, and seldom do I dare challange her authority. She's pretty vocal in letting her feelings be known, and when she wants something, she is never at a loss for meows in getting her point across in order to get it, be it breakfast, a treat, getting brushed, or her desire to snuggle.

Simpson, according to cat experts, has a "brindled" coat, and is also "polydactyl"; i.e., she has an extra "toe" on each foot. She's originally a stray from Key West, Florida. While she admits that she misses the warm winters of Key West, in contrast to the rather cold ones she experiences in RI, she can handle winter as long as she is provided with lots of fleece blankets placed in front of her favorite sunning window. She is also the loudest purring cat I've ever known.

Simpson was once the subject of a photo essay in the local newspaper of the town I live in. She has stated that she might like to give living in Hawaii at shot someday, just as long as she gets the fast track through the rabies screening by the HI Dept. of Ag. She's been an indoor cat for all the time I've had her, and she has no desire to be an "outdoor" cat again.

She will be well taken care of during my upcoming trip home to HI.

[Reny]

I have 2 dogs which I rescued. My oldest dog, now 9 years old, I bought from the Humane Society. My youngest dog, now 1 years old, came from the Big Island.

My youngest dog is a min pin and her name is Peanut. She is a WILD one, I can see why her previous owner’s could not handle her. They were gonna throw her in the dump! I am struggling with her. She always needs attention. Always eating or chewing up something! My husband is almost at his last wits with her but I am still holding on.

My oldest dog is a mix and she is very loving. Though, strangers wouldn’t think so, she likes to bark at them..lol. A very good dog indeed. She loves to give hugs and knows not to walk on you! She doesn’t bark nearly as much as Peanut but they have taken a liking to each other.

[NoCal Boy]

My wife and I adopted our Basenji-Terrier mix from my auntie's latest litter on a trip "back home" (for my wife, at least) a couple of years ago. Auntie has become one of those crazy old dog ladies who has allowed her once-beautiful home to be literally shredded by her dogs. The puppies were eight weeks old and we (okay, I) made a snap decision to take our favorite home with us. Ran around for a couple of days changing our flight (did you know Aloha doesn't transport pets?), getting her to a vet, and buying pet supplies. We couldn't decide on a name until we were at the doggie bakery/store at Ward Warehouse and saw a sample item they had with pet names on it. We saw it at the same time and and simultaneously said "KOA"! Much better name than what my auntie calls her dogs: "Shut Up!" or "I'm going lick you!!" :)

Weirdest thing I ever brought back home from Hawaii, but she's definitely part of the family. Now after two years of being our baby she's had to adjust to being a big sister to our daughter, eleven weeks old today. She sometimes looks sad when we pay more attention to the new baby, but she's not jealous - she likes to lick her new sister.

[Tiabla]

I had two male guinea pigs, Kalua and Maui they were best friends ,but because of being with females the best friends turned on each other. They fought all the time so we had to separate them. BTW... we kept them on a thrid floor balcony. Well one day kalua was getting some air on the balcony, Maui jumped out of his house and the two fought. Before we knew it they rolled off three floors to the ground. Sadly, they both passed away. :(

Oh no! That's such a sad story! :(

I had a guinea pig for several years (I gave her to my mom when I moved to Hawaii) and sometimes I felt silly for feeling such a strong bond with a rodent-like creature. She'd squeak when I came in the door and since I lived alone she was my companion. She died of old age and I haven't had any pets since. I'd like to have pets again someday, but my living situation (no pets allowed) doesn't allow it. Then again, I'd really like to have horses again someday, and that's not going to be easy here in Hawaii!

[AbsolutChaos]

Our beloved family pets are two Bengal cats, Rishi and Frankie. They are opposites in many ways, both physically and personality-wise. I often joke that if we could somehow combine the two together we'd have the perfect cat! I'm currently training them to go on walks like dogs do on a leash (it's going well--until we encounter dogs. :eek: ), and soon I will see if I can get them to sit on command. This breed has many dog-like characteristics (they like to play in water, for one), so some of my dog-loving friends have come to grudgingly admit Rishi and Frankie are pretty cool. :D Right now they are 13 lbs at 1 yr old, and they still have two years more of growing to do! I hope they don't go beyond 15 lbs, but their dad was 20lbs of pure muscle, so we'll see.

Anywho, can't imagine life without 'em now...everybody stares when they encounter these two for the first time. I attached a pic of them, sorry it isn't very good. Rishi is the brown spotted leopard one, and Frankie is the marble white one.

[toeknee]

[QUOTE=Reny]
My youngest dog is a min pin and her name is Peanut. She is a WILD one, I can see why her previous owner’s could not handle her. They were gonna throw her in the dump! I am struggling with her. She always needs attention. Always eating or chewing up something! My husband is almost at his last wits with her but I am still holding on.
QUOTE]

Good for you, Reny. I'm sure she'll settle down in time. You might try giving her something good to chew, like a kong toy or a treat ball that will keep her busy for awhile. Also, there are some good herbal calming remedies that might help while she adjusts to her home. Good luck. You are a good human for taking care of her. :o

[Pomai]

Our beloved family pets are two Bengal cats, Rishi and Frankie. ---- This breed has many dog-like characteristics (they like to play in water, for one)

My mother used to own a Himalayan Persian cat. A gorgeous cat in an ugly way. Long, silky white hair, but the face was flat. It didn't have a prominent muzzle like your typical alley cat. Big green spooky-lookin' eyes. Like a demon. :eek:

Definately opposite of dogs in every way. In fact, it hated dogs with a passion.

Mom attempted to bath that cat a few times then gave up. It scratched the hell out of her forearms as she tried to hold in in the water. We're talkin' BLOOD. That cat went totally ballistic when it felt the water.

And like many cats, it only came to you when it wanted something. That sounds familiar for some reason. :D

[AbsolutChaos]

My mother used to own a Himalayan Persian cat. A gorgeous cat in an ugly way. Long, silky white hair, but the face was flat. It didn't have a prominent muzzle like your typical alley cat. Big green spooky-lookin' eyes. Like a demon. :eek:

Definately opposite of dogs in every way. In fact, it hated dogs with a passion.

Mom attempted to bath that cat a few times then gave up. It scratched the hell out of her forearms as she tried to hold in in the water. We're talkin' BLOOD. That cat went totally ballistic when it felt the water.

And like many cats, it only came to you when it wanted something. That sounds familiar for some reason. :D


I'm not a big fan of those snub-nosed cats. I don't care for that look at all, not to mention a lot of those cats suffer breathing problems due to being deliberately bred that way. I do adore our brown cat's big round green eyes, though...and the other one has big round blue eyes, hence his being named after ol' Frankie blue eyes.

One of the reasons I like cats is because they are independent. They aren't as needy as dogs. I can leave cats for a weekend and not worrry about them because they can amuse themselves and don't have to be let outside to go bathroom or go on walks. Just provide 'em enough food and water and they're good to go! They might show their displeasure at you leaving them by snubbing you for a while upon your return, but soon they are purring and being friendly again once you show enough apologies.

I'm kinda cynical I guess, so I tend to think a lot of people only come to you when they want something from you anyway...hence I think I can understand cats better because they are very people-like and teenager-like that way. There are no illusions with them. They don't hide their needs behind a facade of false friendliness. Either they like ya or they don't. Our two happen to like people and want to hang out in whatever room people are in. They love staring at our neighbors (as long as they aren't dragging the scary rumbly garbage can monster behind them!) and they often try to get into the neighbors' houses when we take them on walks because they want to look around and meet people. No back-stabbing with cats. Dogs just seem either overly friendly or overly mean...but I respect dogs for what they are. To each their own preference!

Our two cats, we actually fill the tub with an inch or two of water for them and put some toys in there and they go in there and play like babies in the water, just splashin' away...we made the mistake of leaving a soapy sponge in the kitchen sink once, and we came home to find a trail of soap bubbles thorughout the house, ending at the soapy sponge on the complete opposite side of the house. Who knew cats could clean floors? :D

Our dead-end quiet street is very cat-friendly. One of the neighbors has a goose who used to be best friends with a Siamese, so when the Siamese died, the goose was heartbroken--until the neighbor brought home some hampsters for her to mother instead. We haven't had a chance to introduce the goose to our cats yet...though there's plenty of interest on our cats' sides. There's also a dog who lives on the street and always tries to play with our cats when the cats are leashed and put outside. The cats don't understand the dog's attempts to play though...guess it's a lot like communication between men and women! :p

[Pomai]

One of the reasons I like cats is because they are independent. They aren't as needy as dogs.I totally agree. Hope I didn't come off as a cat hater. I certainly like them too. Used to have one that I was very close to. Got her from the Humane Society.

Cats are certainly independent, and I like how they can keep themselves clean by licking themselves! Their acrobatic ability is amazing. Mom's Persian used to walk on the outside edge of her high rise balcony (12 stories up). Nuts.

Our Shih Tzu's on the other hand are high maintenance to the max. Like little kids. Really. We have to constantly give them attention. And they're each so jealous about who gets more of this or that - food, affection, whatever. And if we don't bath them every week, they smell like a dirty rug.

But at the same token, Shih Tzu's are very human like, which has a special charm about 'em.

The cats don't understand the dog's attempts to play though...guess it's a lot like communication between men and women!So true. :rolleyes:

[akashastrega]

We have 3 cats, 3 dogs, and 2 rats. Unfortunately 1 of my cats recently got loose and is being a jerk about coming home...we see him, we just can't catch him...and I sure miss him not cuddling with me at night! We used to have an even bigger zoo. 13 cats total (8 live at my grandmother's house, 1 fell out a window and we never found her, 1 passed away), a ferret (we had to have her put down, she was very sick), a spazzy fish (my niece has it now), an african sideneck turtle (she's buried in my grandma's garden), 4 dogs total (1 passed away, he was very old). As you can tell, we LOVE animals.

[akashastrega]

This is an edit to my last post...

My mom dropped off her dog to us (out of the blue!), so now we have 2 dumb dogs...both pit mixes, both sweet...our family just got bigger

[Pomai]

GREENIES. These green-colored boned-shaped hard chewable treats for dogs. Our dogs LOVE 'EM.

But how's this for a self-conflicting description of their product:

The features on the packaging says it "Contains no by-products or artificial preservatives, colors or flavors".

Yet in the ingredients list, it has:

Processed wheat gluten, glycerin, natural flavor, powdered cellulose, monosodium phosphate, monoglycerides of edible fatty acids, magnesium stearate and chloropyll.

Now I don't what's more important. The substance of the edible food, or the preservative that's used to package it. I suppose chlorophyll is a "natural" substitution for "artificial green color".

How u figgah?

:p

[blueyecicle]

We just got our first pet. A little hlaf chihuahau? or how is that spelled...and half Jack Russell Terrier.
She had quickly become the daughter we don't have!
I am shicked at how much a part of our lives she has become. My husband has never had a dog at all and I haven't since I was young.
Now I "get" the whole pet thing I guess!

[Bard]

Are me and my wife the only two people left in the world who like cats AND dogs? ;)

We have a kitty right now, though she acts more like a dog in a lot of ways. We call her a cog.

[blueyecicle]

We have tried cats, they don't last in our house! Either they are stolen or have accidcental deaths! I give up! Cats are cursed in my home.

[glossyp]

Are me and my wife the only two people left in the world who like cats AND dogs? ;)

We have a kitty right now, though she acts more like a dog in a lot of ways. We call her a cog.

Heavens no! We have plenty of both and even one like your kitty who thinks he's a dog - he even wears a dog collar and bone-shaped dog tag, comes when called and sits for treats with the dogs.

[Pua'i Mana'o]

I love all kinds of animals, and am a pet owner. Our last several pets were all feral, caught, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and loitered around my house accordingly. The only qualities they had in common were 1)they attacked vermin and 2)enjoyed smacking down my children. Spoiled creatures, every single one.

[Cruisin Angel]

ha ha you are too funny!! I love both cats and dogs. Though we have a fisher cat int he woods and many of our loved cats have disappeared over the years. But we still have Dusty. She is amazing in that she will swat the crap out of the big dog, but ownt touch the little ones at all. She will growl at them when she gets annoyed enough but that's about it. It's probably because he is bigger than they are. lol

This is Mabel
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j85/SallyBowers/PUPS7MOs/PerfectMabel.jpg

This is Sophie.. the docile one.. lol
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j85/SallyBowers/PUPS7MOs/Sophielookingdown.jpg

We call this picture... SUPER SOPHIE.. lol You can see why.. ha ha
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j85/SallyBowers/PUPS7MOs/SuperSophie.jpg

[Bard]

That Super Sophie pic is awesome :D She looks like a Gremlin.

I just asked about the cats vs dogs thing because it seems like most of my friends either love cats or love dogs, and hate the other ones. I guess I just ended up with some very polarized friends ;)

Here's our beasty. We got her from the humane society, and they claim her name was "Precious" but she doesn't answer to it. She only answers to "Kitty". Go figure!

[Pua'i Mana'o]

I just asked about the cats vs dogs thing because it seems like most of my friends either love cats or love dogs, and hate the other ones.

and some of us love all critters. I see the beauty in each species and have owned them all; big, small, furry, bald, kitties, dogs, birds, you name it.

[Cruisin Angel]

That Super Sophie pic is awesome :D She looks like a Gremlin.

I just asked about the cats vs dogs thing because it seems like most of my friends either love cats or love dogs, and hate the other ones. I guess I just ended up with some very polarized friends ;)

Here's our beasty. We got her from the humane society, and they claim her name was "Precious" but she doesn't answer to it. She only answers to "Kitty". Go figure!


It's so funny you should say that.. because as she was growing up I always said she looks like a gremlin!! ha ha She is so sweet though when she's not playing with her sister. She could melt your heart with one look. I"ll have to capture that on camera.. he he

Tigger and Kitty are great!! I love the pictures :)

[Miulang]

Here are my two kids: Shimai (the big gray lug) and Hoku (the Diva Bitch). Shimai is a 19 lb "cog" and Hoku is temperamental (only eats dry catfood and stretches the same way Ichiro---the Seattle Mariners superstar--does).

Both have internal kittie watches that let us know when 4 p.m. arrives (dinnertime). They had a little trouble adjusting back to Standard Time a few weekends ago, though. They both also will shake hands and come on command...most of the time. Shimai will also walk on a leash. Hoku thinks it's beneath her dignity to be encumbered by a harness and leash.

Miulang

[Cruisin Angel]

Here are my two kids: Shimai (the big gray lug) and Hoku (the Diva Bitch). Shimai is a 19 lb "cog" and Hoku is temperamental (only eats dry catfood and stretches the same way Ichiro---the Seattle Mariners superstar--does).

Both have internal kittie watches that let us know when 4 p.m. arrives (dinnertime). They had a little trouble adjusting back to Standard Time a few weekends ago, though. They both also will shake hands and come on command...most of the time. Shimai will also walk on a leash.

Miulang

THey're so pretty!!! I have to find a pic of my kitty..

[Cruisin Angel]

THis is my daughter Amanda with her kitty Nermal

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j85/SallyBowers/AmandaMyspace7.jpg

[blueyecicle]

Cruisin!!! I am in LOOOVVEEE with your doggies!! OOOHHHHH soo cuttee!!
I just went and bought new patterns to make my doggy new clothing! Winter is comin!

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n199/blueyecicle/boodog.jpg
Ok I have to jump on th picture wagon...all aboard!


http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n199/blueyecicle/daddysdog2.jpg

We got her a month ago. She is 12 months old and adorable. Very patient (with 3 kids she has to be) They named her Pinky Pea! Because they were fighting over Perfect Princess, Precious and other P names...and NO I did NOT name her.

[tikiyaki]

I did a "Let the dogs out (http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=9440)" thread...basically calling for everyone to post pics of their dogs.
Pomai....4 shitzus ? Wow.

I thought have 2 dogs was gnarly...

Fleegle and Puggles....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/tikiyaki/snugglepuppies.jpg

[Cruisin Angel]

OMG that's adorable!!! And look at the blinds!!:eek: My cats did a number on our blinds years ago... Of course then so did my kids.. lol

[tikiyaki]

OMG that's adorable!!! And look at the blinds!!:eek: My cats did a number on our blinds years ago... Of course then so did my kids.. lol

Yea, that's the little one....she's a friggin terror. HEr favorite thing to destroy is dog beds....stuffing all over the backyard. Makes Tikiyaki VERY unhappy :mad:

[mel]

I live in a "no pets" building. However when I go back to the Big Island, my sister's 2 cats always remember me and allow me to approach them, pet and have their photos taken.

Here is "Poof"

http://cdn-14.cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users8/macpro/cats/msg-1118768823-2.jpg

Here is "Georgie"

http://cdn-10.cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users8/macpro/cats/msg-1117953824-2.jpg

[Cruisin Angel]

Cruisin!!! I am in LOOOVVEEE with your doggies!! OOOHHHHH soo cuttee!!
I just went and bought new patterns to make my doggy new clothing! Winter is comin!

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n199/blueyecicle/boodog.jpg
Ok I have to jump on th picture wagon...all aboard!


http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n199/blueyecicle/daddysdog2.jpg

We got her a month ago. She is 12 months old and adorable. Very patient (with 3 kids she has to be) They named her Pinky Pea! Because they were fighting over Perfect Princess, Precious and other P names...and NO I did NOT name her.

Hey Blue!! I was on the other thread and wondering where my posts went.. so I asked admin. and they brought me here.. he he Whew.. I was VERY confused! I love your doggie too!!! She looks so sweet :) I love the shirt!! I can't put clothes on mine as they rip them off of each other! lol I did try but at first the pups wnt nuts.. they were so little at the time (The extra small sizes are still too small! lol), but at the time I"d put a sweater on them and they couldn't walk! ha ha They kept falling over, I had to take them off. But even now.. if I try to put something on the pups.. they go after each others clothing and keep grabbing at it till they can get it off.. I'm afraid one will strangle the other! It's nuts!

They have the same color bowls (BIG MISTAKE). I feed them and if I mix up the bowls, THEY KNOW IT! I coudln't believe it.. one day I was wondering why they wouldn't eat... and when I switched the bowls, then they ate! They must have a scent and know whose bowl is whose. ONly now they are doing the same thing with the puppy pad.. I always had ONE out and now I'm going to need two because ONE of them is going on the floor.. grrrrrrrrrrrrr I made a pen outside for them to go in but I wasn't as consistent as I needed to be. But if I put them out in it.. one will go int he grass no problem (Same one that needs her own pad), and the other waits... doesn't want to go outside. But if I wait long enough she'll pee. Just not poop. OH JOY!!

[blueyecicle]

I am lucky if I take Pinky out she goes pretty well. We have had a few accidents but not many. She is a girly girl! She sleeps under the covers and only with me! She takes food from you with great care! and she loves the dresses! LOL They are so interesting. She has really become part of the family.

[Cruisin Angel]

I am lucky if I take Pinky out she goes pretty well. We have had a few accidents but not many. She is a girly girl! She sleeps under the covers and only with me! She takes food from you with great care! and she loves the dresses! LOL They are so interesting. She has really become part of the family.


I think if we had one, it would be different, but they are sisters and I couldn't part them. lol Silly me! But they are definately a huge part of the family. :)

[DannyWilliams]

we get cats and we get cats.......
Theres like 7 plus 1 that PREFERS to be downstairs....
The rebel kitty :rolleyes:
One of them we call "missy" a female kitty that likes to hop into my lap when I am watching TV. She purrs and cuddles on me then hops of leaving residue of cat fur on me:eek:

[kani-lehua]

*bump*

so sad today. just found out that my cat that is almost 20 is dying from renal failure. her vet said that we could bring her in to flush her kidneys which would take app. 3 days with no guarantees that the procedure would work. he would also teach us how to inject fluids under her skin to keep her hydrated. the other option is to feed her a specialty wet food and comfort care. we chose the latter. if she starts throwing up again, then we have to put her down because apparently she would be suffering and in would be in pain.

[Leo Lakio]

It comes down to a "quality of life" decision, sadly. As much as we would like more time with these lovely beings, we're likely to outlive most of them. 20 years is a good, long life for a cat. It would be wonderful if the treatments go well (which they often do, enough to add several more years to their life), but I trust you'll know if it reaches the point where your kitty is suffering too much, and you'll take the kindest option.

I'm sorry that you have to face that possibility, k-l. There's a huge community that knows what you are going through, and will help you to shoulder that burden.

[kani-lehua]

mahalo, leo.

i just checked on her and she's hanging out in the bathtub (a new thing lately). put a nice cool bowl of water in there and at least she's drinking. took some pics of my furry baby.

[Cnecki]

Oh I am so sorry hope you and your kitty fair okay.

[kani-lehua]

mahalo, cnecki!

she's not doing too well. hanging out in the tub again. will contact the vet tomorrow to see if we can be taught how to hydrate her. she didn't eat but a few treats today.

[turtlegirl]

Kani!! Honey, I'm so sad for you. What is your kitty's name?

[Kalalau]

3 cats here, Little Vicioius (she's great with people but a terror with other cats), Son!dra, and Fubu--she might be the most intelligent cat I have ever met. Son!dra & Fubu are sisters, adopted from a friend who moved to the Big Island while the super stringent quarantine was in effect. They are wonderful cats, all of them...they bound down the stairs with big kitty smiles on their faces whenever I get home. Also had a Gray Cat (that was her name...real imaginative here!) who lived to be 21. She was GREAT!!! Just the perfect cat, beautiful, loving, sweet, cute...she was, however, quite jealous. We temporarily adopted a small black kitten that wandered into the yard, she was so enraged she chased her own mother up the apricot tree! The funny part is that she had a sister who looked just like Son!dra, and a mom who looked just like Fubu...both the mom and the sister had passed away a few months before Fubu and Son!dra came into our lives. So...the Gray Cat always mistook Son!dra for her sister Torts and mistook Fubu for her mom, Smoke, and she got along with them fine...even though she was so jealous. Tis summer now, the boys keep calling on our girls...leaving their little scented calling cards, and howling, at 3 am, of their affection. We do love cats--how can you not?

[kani-lehua]

great story kalalau!

turtlegirl: her name is **star**. she's big (well, used to be), fluffy and very intelligent, too. so today, we learned how to hydrate her by using an iv. as i wrote in another thread, thank goodness it's only once a day for four days. she's also being given an appetite stimulant. no problem doing that. i just can't let her go and if this is part of comfort care, then so be it. she's not suffering at the moment so she didn't have to be put down.

[Bob P]

Jumping on the bandwagon, this is Chloe

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c259/lepeu1999/DSCN1136.jpg

Kani-lehua, best of luck with Star. My heart goes out to you.

[Sharilyn]

Kani-lehua, I'm so sorry about your kitty. I had two cats that had chronic renal failure. I also had to administer subQ fluid treatments and appetite enhancers. She didn't last very long, but every cat is different. Some live for years... you have to experiment with proper diet, meds, fluids. It's so frustrating and emotional. Good luck to you.

[kani-lehua]

bob p: thank you and what a lovely little cutie you got there!

sharilyn: thank you, too! the hydration treatment isn't going as planned. it makes my fur baby VERY uncomfortable and she starts moving around and has scratched me with her hind paws/nails. yikes! we will do it again tonight.

we had one cat die from just plain old age and another from kidney cancer. cats seem to have (the older ones) lots of kidney problems? well, that's according to the vet.

[Sharilyn]

sharilyn: thank you, too! the hydration treatment isn't going as planned. it makes my fur baby VERY uncomfortable and she starts moving around and has scratched me with her hind paws/nails. yikes! we will do it again tonight.

My husband helped by holding her, and I did the injection, etc. She didn't fight us, probably because we did it in the bathroom with the door closed. We figured that if she didn't have an escape route, she wouldn't struggle so much.

Unfortunately, she didn't do well with the subQs, nor with the meds or special diet. We even force fed her. We eventually put her to sleep after about six weeks. :(

we had one cat die from just plain old age and another from kidney cancer. cats seem to have (the older ones) lots of kidney problems? well, that's according to the vet.

My vet said there are more cases of renal failure now that in the past. I've read that it's the ingredients in commercial food. They say a premium grade can food is the best. My cats love dry food better, tho.

[kani-lehua]

sharilyn: she and two of the other cats were on iams. we switched to science diet (renal) because one of them was getting urinary tract infections? now, star, barely eats anything even wet food. we are still hydrating her and doing it in the bathroom. last night was much better now that we all got the hang of it. she's still drinking lots of water but only if i run the spigot in the shower. i don't think she'll last long. i just feel better that at least we gave it a try to help her.

[Sharilyn]

I'm so sorry. I know how frustrating it is when your cat won't eat! You are trying your best, that is all anyone can do. 20 years is a nice age for a cat! You must be doing something right.

[kani-lehua]

we're trying and getting better at the hydration.

must be all the love my furries get?! our oldest dog is 18 and another died when she was 16. the other 3 dogs are app. 7-8 yrs. old and the other 3 cats? don't know? all of our furries are adopted.