Greetings Cisco supporters,

I hope this wonderful month of June is bringing you sunshine, warmth, and joy.

It’s been a rough month for our old warrior. During his stay in ringworm isolation, he was recently diagnosed with diabetes. We’re transitioning him to a prescription diet and have begun treating him with insulin. We’re also delicately working to balance Cisco’s health with his happiness. Most diabetic cats have their blood glucose (BG) checked regularly — in some cases, even twice a day. Cisco, however, so hates being handled that we know this would cause him tremendous stress and suffering. So, we’re going to monitor his BGs by testing his fructosamine levels every two weeks. This test is essentially a measure of long-term BG control. We’ll also be weighing Cisco every two weeks, as weight loss can be an indication of poor BG control.

Luckily, Cisco was cleared from quarantine just a few days ago and is back “home” in Suite FIV, with his friends. He has picked a new spot to hunker down. Instead of hiding at the top of the indoor ramp that leads to
the solarium, he took over one of the lower cubbies.

There was a bit of an uprising as I was realizing Cisco’s whereabouts. Jonathan (Tabby’s Place founder) was on the other side of Cisco’s cubby, giving McNulty his daily dose of subcutaneous fluids. I’m not sure if Cisco was hissing at Jonathan’s elbow or at McNulty, but nobody was worse off when Cisco was done defending his space. Jonathan said his goodbyes and at least a temporary truce was achieved!

At this point, I was a little hesitant to reach into Cisco’s cubby for fear of
being reprimanded. I chatted with Cisco in a calm, soothing voice, and he was very responsive to me. After a nanosecond of contemplation, I went for it, with treat in hand. He let me put it down near him and eagerly ate it. Eventually I put the treat on my finger tips and with that, I was the lucky receiver of a paw swipe that was very slow and deliberate, and withdrawn VERY slowly. (my hand did not move an inch!). He did this again, and I think realized how silly it was trying to scare me, the bearer of treats!

It’s so great to have Cisco back on his turf. Thanks to you, kind, loving, and generous Cisco fans that you are, Cisco is able to get all the medical attention that he requires. We are forever grateful for all you do for our sweet boy.

Have a fabulous month!