It’s been a rather newsy month for Ana. First, she used up her last chance to stay in the Lounge by attacking gentle Raja one time too many. Much as we humans enjoyed having our purry girl in the Lounge, it was clear that she was just not going to get along with Raja and Mittens. Since she’d been quite content in the Special Needs Suite, she’s now returned there (where she’s as happy as ever), switching places with new Lounge-dweller Skittles.
Medically speaking, Ana’s given us a bit of a puzzle this month by gulping, loudly and often. This can be a sign of her inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flaring up, so we’re considering switching one of her medications. Our vet believes that the most helpful change would be adding a particular medication that we know Ana absolutely detests. We’ve tried to avoid this for Ana’s sake, but as her gulping has continued, we’re now looking into having the hated medication compounded in a flavor suspension. If it tastes like tuna, perhaps she’ll be a little less horrified by it.
When I’ve visited Ana since her return to the Special Needs Suite, she’s seemed quite happy there, purring nicely for me. However, she still has issues with some other cats. Ana is fine with the cats who were previously in the suite, namely Crystal, Hootz, and Natasha.
But an attempt to introduce a new cat named Midnight to the group didn’t work. Once Midnight was released from his acclimating crate (where a cat spends the first day or so in a new room getting used to the room’s sights and smells), Ana went after him. So we’re back to the happy foursome, and Midnight has moved to another room with less fussy inhabitants.
Fortunately, things seemed to have calmed down in Ana’s world now that she has the roommates of her choice – in fact, some staff members have commented that Ana seems quite pleased with herself for having successfully kicked Midnight out of the suite. It seems the only thing missing from the Special Needs Suite now is a sign on the door, “Girls Only – Boy Cats Keep Out.” It’s truly amazing how Ana is so reliably loving and affectionate with humans, yet fiery with any cats she dislikes.
At any rate, thank you for helping us to do the best for our feisty sweetheart. Let’s look forward to a calmer month free of gulping and cat battles!