Dear Friend of Josie,

Josie is taking a small break from writing to you this month as she is busy cheering on her beloved correspondent, Ilene, who took a tumble and is recovering from a mild concussion. Josie and I ask that you send good thoughts Ilene’s way.

My name is Lisa, and I am the Development Associate at Tabby’s Place. While most of my week is spent at my desk, I do get to participate in cat medication rounds at least once each week and get to interact with Josie. She is one of the sweetest and most determined cats that I have met during my years at Tabby’s Place.

Josie has endured a great deal over the years. Because of her severe skin allergies, she is on a very restrictive diet. Josie prefers kibble over pates and gravies, but hypoallergenic food is not known for its gourmet appeal. When hypoallergenic treats were on backorder, the medical team had to get creative. They ordered a different brand of safe kibble and started offering it to Josie in the form of “treats.”

Josie is never one to complain. She ate her “treats” while patiently waiting for the real treats to once again be available for consumption.

Josie had an abdominal ultrasound this month that showed some changes to her kidneys. She will have another scan in three months to monitor for any further changes. In the meantime, we are doing what we can to help support Josie’s kidneys. She receives subcutaneous fluids regularly and is taking a medication to boost her potassium. Josie is a champion at taking her medications twice a day. I have not had to give her fluids, but other staff has said that she purrs throughout the process and really does seem “perkier” afterwards.

As we continue to closely monitor Josie’s health and keep track of her food and water consumption, she spends each night in a private and plushly outfitted crate. As long as the bed is fluffed and her food and water bowls are full, Josie doesn’t complain about this routine. However, that doesn’t mean that she is not excited each morning when the staff arrive to administer medications and she is released from her crate of solitude.

Here, I have personal first hand experience to share. From the moment that I enter Suite B, I can feel Josie’s big eyes boring into my soul. She may even let out a meow, but it is always her eyes that get me. She watches and waits for me to come open her door, give her some medications, and then let her proceed with her morning.

Josie has a routine. She comes out of her crate and stretches. She may stop for a drink from a large water bowl, but then she proceeds up the built in structure, cubby by cubby, to the ramp. She moves gracefully to one particular edge of the ramp and from there… she leaps to the top of the crates where her favorite spot awaits. The first time I watched her do this after her time in hospital on IV fluids, I held my breath and tried to convince her that this was not a wise move. But Josie knew what she wanted and knew that she was going to get there.

She does this every single morning. I no longer hold my breath.

So when I say that Josie is one determined old lady cat, I speak from experience.

I’m happy to report that Josie’s kidney values have improved in the last couple of weeks. Kidney disease is not something that will go away, but at least what we are doing is having a positive impact on her wellbeing.

Josie wants to wish you a joyful holiday season and a very Happy New Year! Your love fills Josie’s heart with warmth and makes each special bit of kibble as savory to her as a gourmet Michelin star meal.

Your guest correspondent,
Lisa